City of Centralia City Council Met April 12.
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: 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
The Mayor and City Council recognized Police Sergeant James Ramsey For 25 years Of Service and Maintenance Operator Mark Knox For 15 Years Of Service.
Comments were submitted prior to the meeting and were read and shared by the City Clerk.
Vernell Burris stated that since there has been an election that resulted in a new Mayor and City Council members, he wanted to submit a similar request as he had at the last meeting. He stated that he would like to request that Roland Burris be recognized by the City Council for being a US Senator. He would like Maple from Broadway to Rexford be named Roland Burris Way. He also expressed that he would like the City Council meetings to be in person. He stated that it is past the time that they should be held only remotely. He stated that Salem is holding meetings open to the public. He also requested that the Council drive down Brookside due to it being very dark. He would like more lighting be placed on Brookside.
Steve Coleman asked if there are any plans for a store to go into the old IGA building or the old Family Dollar building.
Otis Downey submitted a letter in regard to the seating of Mayor-Elect Bryan Kuder requesting that Mayor-Elect Kuder not be seated until the legal matters are resolved.
Bunny Garrett submitted a letter signed by Eric Collins, Annette Chapman, Rick Garrett, & Garland Johnson in regard to the seating of Mayor-Elect Bryan Kuder requesting that Mayor-Elect Kuder not be seated until all issues, including the court issues are resolved.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve Items 1- 5 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,252,640.93
3. Request To Use Fairview Park by the American Legion Post #446 for the Annual 4th of July Celebration From July 1st thru July 4th
4. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for the Locust Street Historical Fair on May 1, 2021
5. A Resolution Authorizing The Use Of A City-Owned Parking Lot For A Farmers' Market And Authorizing Terry Herrell As Market Master
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
None
BIDS
Interim City Manager Langenfeld reported that the quotes were received for a new copier since the existing contract has expired in March. He noted that there are continuous problems with the existing unit and it needs a lot of routine maintenance. He stated that it can be replaced for less money with a new unit that actually does more. A Motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Quote For The Lease Of Replacement Office Equipment From Executive Business Solutions, Inc.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
Councilman Jones stated that he had some concerns about the truancy ordinance but did talk to Chief Dodson about it further. He asked that Chief Dodson discuss the history of the ordinance, noting that it was started shortly after the school year started. Chief Dodson explained that COVID and remote learning has increased the amount of truancy. He stated that the truancy court system has five to ten-fold more cases than they have ever had and are overwhelmed. He stated that they are looking for an alternative tool in the toolbox and the goal of this ordinance is to get voluntary compliance. He stated that they are looking for ways to get the children to participate remotely or get them back in school. He stated that currently the school staff, teachers, and principals try to contact the parents first. He sated once they don’t have success then they get the Home to School Liaison involved. If they don’t have success, then eventually the SROs will get involved. After that if they don’t have success, then it goes to the truancy court. He explained that it takes an extended amount of time due to the back log and this is something that can motivate them to comply. He stated that he had explained to Councilman Jones and Councilman Sauer that once a violation is issued, he would be perfectly happy to dismiss it if they gain compliance. He stated that the goal is to have this tool to issue the parent a ticket that requires them to take time to go to court and the inconvenience will hopefully prompt them to get their child in school or remote learning. He stated that the schools are experiencing almost triple the number of retentions due to the students not participating. He explained that it is a high priority to get the students in school, because if they are not, they are getting into trouble. He noted that this ordinance was taken in front of the Superintendents of the High School, Superintendent and Administrators of the City Schools and both of them approve of it. He stated that the High School contributed the portion of the ordinance that includes the inability of the students to work during school hours. He sated that they had several students that were working when they should have been online and doing homework. Chief Dodson continued explaining that this ordinance is not going to fix the issue, but it is another tool in the toolbox to roll back the level of truancy that they are experiencing right now. Councilman Marshall asked how many other cities have something like this. Chief Dodson stated that there were several communities that have similar ordinances including Marion and Carlyle. Attorney Behme stated that there were multiple area communities ordinances that were reviewed with some being less restrictive and some being built it into their curfew statute. He stated that Fairview Heights had the one that was the most similar to what was used. Councilman Sauer noted that unfortunately truancy has become an overwhelming problem for the schools in the past year. He stated that he expressed concerns with the ordinance to Councilman Jones and thought that it was complicated enough that he thought it may need to be tabled for further consideration. He stated that there are some criticisms that he has with it and he has consulted with Judge Sanders, particularly since the ordinance using fines as a means of enforcement. He noted that it would be fining people that may be poor and they may not have control over the situation. He stated that he spoke to the Chief and believes that he has alleviated most of his fears which included the cost to the City if the City Attorney became the one acting instead of the States Attorney and if the States Attorney would stop enforcing the state’s truancy statutes. He stated that he was glad that the City has good minutes because the minutes will be the legislative history of the ordinance. He stated that law enforcement and the schools really want this as an additional tool and once compliance is met, they do not seek to impose fines as punishment with the goal to get the students back in school. He stated that Judge Sanders expressed that it is going to affect very few people who are really going to react to the possibility of a ticket, but it will affect a few people who will react to the threat of a ticket. He stated that by including the language for the employers, it will ensure that they don’t hire high school students during school hours. He stated that overall, he supports it. Chief Dodson stated that there are many opportunities to roll back away from imposing a fine such as if prior to going to court they become compliant, the ticket can be dropped and once they are in court, if they agree to be compliant, the fines can be waived, and the ticket can be dropped. He stated that the whole point is to get the child back in school not to impose a fine. Mayor Williams stated that as a former educator he feels that in most cases truancy occurs when there is less parental control. He stated that he has checked with local educators and some educators outside of Centralia. He questioned how it is going to affect a single working Mom that could be a concern and a concern for low economic families. He stated that there is a reason for truancy, and he feels that they should determine the reason for the truancy and dig into it deeper. He stated that the second problem he has is that the truancy laws have been applied in other cities throughout Illinois. He stated that he talked to colleagues in Champaign, Quincy, Kankakee and Springfield and they all feel that they have looked at things like this and it has not been a deterrent or decreased their truancy rates. He stated that it had an adverse effect to their educational system. He stated that he didn’t know what the effect would be here, but he knows it would affect a lot of families and how they are going to respond to this. He stated that he would rather find other alternatives to help the truancy problem. He stated that the Police Department has done a great job, but there is a deep-rooted factor that is causing the children to not go to school. He stated that he would like to table this and get more information from the high school and grade schools. He stated that he talked to the Superintendent and Principal and he feels that they like it but are apprehensive about it. He stated that he is apprehensive and doesn’t want to create fines for families that are going to be affected. He would like more studies to see how it is going to affect the Centralia school systems. Councilman Marshall stated that he agreed and feels that there should be a workshop and let the new Council also look at it. He stated that there could be benefits but it will effect poor families the most. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Table An Ordinance Amending The City Municipal Code To Establish A City Truancy Code.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
RESOLUTIONS
None
OTHER BUSINESS
The discussion of in person meetings began with the City Clerk explaining that the Governor had signed a new Disaster Declaration on April 2nd that is valid now thru May 1st. She stated that meetings can continue to be held remotely under this declaration if the Mayor and Council choose. She reported that the ZOOM system was able to work with the sound
and video on the projector in the Council Chambers when the Council is ready to return to in person meetings. She noted that the capacity is still limited under Phase 4. She noted that if they return to in person, most of the department heads will join remotely to allow for more residents to attend. She noted that approximately 25 residents could attend along with media setting up the room socially distanced. She also added that other options could be explored to use the overflow area and front lobby with video/audio which would allow for approximately 6 people in each of those areas but not directly in the Chambers. She noted that during this meeting there were 14 people in attendance that are not part of the City staff and if the meeting was in person they could all attend without any issues. She explained that the highest attendance has been 31 which could cause some to be turned away. City Manager Langenfeld stated that he thinks that at this time with the change in administration and the typical increase he feels it would be probably a month or so before they can return to in person. He stated that he will defer to the Council but does not feel that they are at a point yet to open it up to in person. Councilman Marshall stated that he agreed it does not hurt to be patient and wait especially since he is hearing of reports of new variants. Councilman Sauer stated that he feels that they should be going to in person meetings as soon as possible. He added that the positivity rate of Marion County is extraordinarily low, and the public body should be meeting in public. He stated that Michigan is seeing the how the variants are affecting them in new ways such as the young people He stated that it is important to note that they would be making a decision for the new Council that has three new members which along with Councilman Smith are not able to join in on the decision at this time. He stated that the City Manager thinks that in another month they will be ready and at that time they can let the new Council make the decision since they will be the ones attending. Councilman Jones stated that he agreed. He is aware of the positivity rate being down, but the new Council should be able to make that decision. Mayor Williams and the Council members in attendance stated that they would like this to be a decision for the new Council to decide since it will affect them. Mayor Williams asked when the new Council would be seated, and the Clerk stated that it will be as soon as the Canvass is received from the County. She stated that it could be as early as the next meeting or the first meeting in May. Mayor Williams stated that returning to open meetings will remain on the agenda for further discussion for the new Council Members.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported that the Public Works Department began City Wide Clean Up. She reminded residents to place the items at the front curb. She stated that the pickup schedule will follow the weekly trash collection route that is also available on the City website along with the press release that includes more information about the collection. Clerk Enke also noted that the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR/ water quality) is available on the City website. She stated that the report has been sent to the wholesale water customers and the notices that are required by the IEPA are also listed on the water bills for residents. Clerk Enke congratulated the newly elected officials and thanked those that have ran and served on the Council. She explained that the swearing in of Mayor-Elect Kuder and Councilman-Elect Castellari and Jackson will take place at the first meeting following the receipt of the official canvass from the County Clerk. She reported that she had begun meeting with the newly elected members of the Council to begin onboarding them all. She also reported that the City Manager is also planning a training workshop with them this week as well.
Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that the City has received the approved scope of work back from IHDA for the comprehensive housing plan for the community. He stated that the value of this study is probably $100,000 and will prepare the City for multiyear opportunities to apply for grants from IHDA, tax credits and housing grants from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He stated that he will be asking the Council this summer to submit an application for the grant. He stated that a meeting is planned at Noon on Thursday to reactivate the Industrial Commission. He explained that this will be a working committee to assist existing industries and to also assist city staff for preparing for the marketing of the community to new potential industry tenants. He stated that this was a valuable committee beginning in the 80’s but in the last couple years it has slowed down. He stated that they will begin assisting to seek new opportunities for new and existing businesses. He stated that the entire staff is also working on getting projects ready that could be potential candidates under the recently announced infrastructure program expected to come from Congress. He also mentioned that the State of Illinois has money ready for shovel ready projects with one just recently being announced in Rockford. He stated that with everything that the City has needs for, the city is getting shovel ready as possible including projects with IDOT, DCEO and other agencies. He also discussed the federal congressional delegation, noting that congress is looking at restoring earmarks for each congress member within each of their districts for potential funding. He stated that a newly elected officials training session is being held this coming Wednesday at City Hall and Councilman Smith and Councilman Sauer will also be in attendance. He stated he is still gathering information for the Council in order to hold a work session concerning the water plant improvements.
Councilman Jones stated that he would like a copy of the letters that were included in public participation. He stated that it is exciting to see everything going forward. He stated that he is excited about the new Council and he thinks that the citizens made a great choice when voting.
Councilman Sauer congratulated the newly elected officials. He asked the Interim City Manager and Attorney for further information about the dumpster ordinance that he has previously discussed with them.. He explained that the Council may not be aware but there have been issues with landlords dumping their dumpsters on the public right of ways. He stated that Republic has tried to help but landlords keep moving the dumpsters back. He stated that they are left open which is a hazard and on city property. He stated that Gayla is without a tool to prevent landlords from putting their dumpsters on city owned right of ways aside from going to the State Attorney to charge them with trespass which he feels will not work. He stated that he would like to see something further from the attorney in the next couple weeks concerning this.
Councilman Marshall commented about Vernell Burris’ comment during public participation. He stated that he discussed the Roland Burris street with him recently and stated that he feels that the more streets that become named after people, more and more people are going to request that streets be named after them. He stated that regarding the fire trucks, he didn’t vote for the fire trucks and he wanted to mention that since the sales tax was voted down. He stated that it will be interesting to see how all of that is handled and paid for.
Mayor Williams congratulated the winners of the April 6th election and stated that he hoped that they can move together as a City. He stated a letter was submitted to the Interim City Manager concerning the naming of streets. He stated that he would like to possibly rename US 51 South the Roland Burris Expressway. He stated that he feels that it would be appropriate. He stated that other areas could be designated later as the Jim Brady Expressway. He stated that there has only been one member from the City that became a Congressman and one to become the Secretary of the Chief Executive Officer of the country. He stated that Mr. Burris also commented about lighting and asked Derek Sherman to provide a report concerning the lighting project. He stated that Ameren sent a representative that met with Chief Dodson and himself who drove around together and mapped out properties that are in need of more light. He stated that Ameren has agreed to assist to improve the lighting by providing a reduced rate to put more lights and posts. He stated that Ameren could not provide a timeline at this time due to being short staffed. He stated they also have committed to upgrading the existing lights to LED as well. He stated that he hopes they will move quickly with these projects. Mayor Williams stated that he looked forward to this project to get lighting into areas that are problem areas for various reasons. He also requested that each Councilman receive a copy of the letters submitted during public participation from the Clerk. Mayor Williams asked if there is a state truancy code for the school districts. He stated that he wanted to be safe but also not in violation of the state laws. Mayor Williams reminded residents to attend and support the Locust St. Festival that is coming up on May 1st.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer 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 6:50 p.m.
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