City of Centralia City Council met Sept. 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
This meeting was conducted and attended as a full hybrid meeting. The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met in person with a video conference option for the public. Mayor Kuder called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Kuder, Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, & Councilman Jackson
Absent: Councilman Smith
Staff Members Participating Physically at City Hall: Scott Randall, City Manager; Derek Sherman, Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz; Public Works Director; Michelle Liggett, Finance Director; Chief Dodson, Police Department; John Lynch Fire Department; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; William Smith, City Attorney; and Kim Enke, City Clerk
Staff Members Participating Electronically: None
PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kuder led the Pledge of Allegiance and Vernell Burris led the prayer.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Tim Snyder addressed the Mayor and City Council regarding the action taken at the previous meeting to declare the alley known as Pittenger Ave. as no parking with a fire lane. He explained the history of the area and requested that the no parking and fire lane designation be put on hold in order to allow time for discussion among the City Manager, City Council and business and property owners effected by the changes to the parking. He stated that the property owners were not informed or able to have an opportunity to discuss it prior to the vote. He stated that the there was an inaccuracy in the current and future parking availability. He stated that he believed the actions were unfair and biased and the issue was voted on before the proper consideration. He provided documents concerning the history of the issues to each of the Council Members.
Vernell Burris addressed the Mayor and City Council regarding the City offering more entertainment for the youth of Centralia. He suggested that dances and block parties be considered, sponsored, and planned.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve Items 1-7 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The September 13, 2021 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $932,157.31
3. Receive And Place On File The Monthly Treasurer’s Report As Of August 31, 2021
4. Approval of Request to Allow Use of Lake Centralia by the Hollywood Heights Bass Club for a Tournament on October 24, 2021
5. A Resolution Regarding Closed Session Minutes
6. A Resolution Confirming Appointments of Certain Individuals to Various Boards and Commissions of the City of Centralia
7. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of a Portion of Franklin St. on October 16, 2021
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None
BIDS
None
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Scott Randall stated that the City has been a participant in the Illinois Surplus Property Program. He stated that the resolution presented allows the City staff to utilize the program if there is any equipment that is needed and made available through the program. He stated that it doesn’t necessarily mean that the City is going to use it, but the opportunity is there to be able to use it as a source as needed. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving the City’s Participation in the State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported a public hearing will be held for the Downstate Stabilization Grant Program on September 30th at 10 a.m. Also as a reminder City Hall will be closed in observance of Columbus Day on Monday October 11th with the Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday the 12th. Also, as a reminder that meeting will be held at the Kaskaskia College Crisp Center which is located at the intersection of 161 East and Airport Rd. at 6 p.m.
City Treasurer Agee reported that the second distribution of Marion County Property Taxes were received in the amount of approximately $772,000.00. He stated that approximately $560,000.00 went into the General Fund, $121,000.00 went into three of the TIF funds and the balance to smaller miscellaneous accounts. He stated that with this distribution the City will be able to repay the temporary loan from TIF #6 to TIF #3. He stated that following this distribution, approximately 70% of the property taxes for the year. Mayor Kuder asked for clarification on the 30% remaining. City Treasurer Agee stated that there has been one distribution from Clinton County and another installment will come from Marion County next month with another distribution after the first of the year.
City Manager Randall stated that the 2022 annual budget is being worked on by staff at this time. He stated that a staff review committee will be reviewing the budgets and it would be presented to the Council for first review and consideration at the first meeting in November. He also stated that there will be a 3% increase in sanitation charges per the agreement that was approved previously with increases that take effect each October 1st. He also stated that there has been a first meeting with the F.O.P. concerning renegotiations. He stated that he received the first proposal, and the staff will be developing a response with the recommendations to the proposal.
Councilman Griffin addressed Mr. Snyder’s concerns. He reviewed the summary and background of the ordinance when it was passed. He stated that the statement made concerning the availability of parking effected his vote. He ask that the this be put on pause so the council, city manager, fire chief and downtown merchants affected by this will be able to come up with an amicable solution that is safe for the downtown patrons and citizens and works for the merchants as well. Councilman Castellari stated that he would agree to take it under advisement. Mayor Kuder stated that he would like to read what was provided by Mr. Snyder. Councilman Griffin asked the business owners that were in attendance if they knew about the city passing the ordinance, noting that only one knew. He stated that there was a lot of things going on with the city manager transition when this was considered and this needs to be looked into a little further.
Mayor Kuder announced upcoming events including Fright Market will be held on October 1st in the Downtown parking lot. He also stated that Celebrate Centralia will be held on October 9th and invited everyone to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari To Adjourn The Meeting.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/09-_September_27_2021.pdf
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