City of Centralia City Council met Dec. 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. Mayor Kuder called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Kuder, Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, & Councilman Jackson
Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Scott Randall, City Manager; Derek Sherman, Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Director; Jeff Schwartz; Public Works Director; Michelle Liggett, Finance Director; Gayla Harting; Community Development Director; Chief Dodson, Police Department; Chief Lynch, Fire Department; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; William Smith, City Attorney; and Kim Enke, City Clerk
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
Vernell Burris recognized December 7th as Pearl Harbor Day and asked that the day be remembered. He addressed the Council in regard to the last 11 years of property tax levies that were not increased and cut. He explained that now this year there are three entities with property tax increases including the high school, city schools and the city. He stated that by not increasing the taxes there has not been money put into the water plant. Mr. Burris suggested issuing bonds for the needed expenditures. He also discussed the surrounding communities that are changing and extending their city limit boundaries and those that also have swimming pools.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve Items 1-3 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The November 22, 2021 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $850,609.76
3. An Ordinance Waiving The Payment Of Demolition Permit Fees For Calendar Year 2022
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, 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
City Manager Randall reported that the rate structure has not been adjusted since 1985 for surcharge rates. He stated that there is one user that is disposing of these BOD and suspended solids. He explained that they recently met with the company, and they expect to continue the practice for the next couple years. He stated that they have informed them of the amendment to the rate structure. He stated that the rate increase is a 100% increase for the suspended solids and a 50% increase on BOD and he explained that the increase is expected to generate approximately $10,000 -$15,000 per year which is also the cost associated with hauling the sludge that is generated at the sewer treatment plant. Jeff Schwartz stated that the cost of sludge has doubled over the years and this will catch up to the rates paid. Mayor Kuder asked where the sludge is hauled to and Jeff Schwartz explained that it is hauled into farm fields. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code To Increase the Surcharge Rates For Sewer Users Generating Sewage Containing Excess Levels Of BOD or SS (Biochemical Oxygen Demand or Suspended Solids).
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Randall stated that this ordinance is for taxes levied in 2021 and payable in 2022. He stated that it does include an increase of 2% of the levy that was discussed in the public hearing and also at the work session held in November. He stated that it is a modest increase and the first in the last eleven years. He stated that the increase will generate an additional approximate $47,000. Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance for the Levy and Collection of Taxes for Corporate Purposes For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Randall stated that there was a public meeting with the Department Heads making their recommendations to the Council in November and also the public hearing that was held prior to this meeting. He stated that this proposed 2022 budget has a modest increase in property taxes with a 2% increase. He noted that there are some other fees that have been increased including grave opening fees, sanitation fees effective in October, and video gaming fees that will be able to be increased due to the new state legislature. He stated that this budget includes filling the existing vacancies that exist. He stated that most significantly is the five police positions that are open. He noted that the Fire and Police Commission is working to fill them with the existing list and also exploring the use of the lateral transfer program. He stated that they are also looking to fill a vacant accounting clerk position. He explained that the intent is to also add another full-time code enforcement officer as a result of the Council’s strategic planning session as well as fill the vacant secretarial position for the fire department. Chief Lynch noted that the position was a full-time position that was not filled following a retirement in 2015. He stated that water and sewer rates will increase in January with the consumer price index and the budget has an estimated 5% increase calculated. He stated that $2M of the budget is devoted to capital improvements noting that is a significant investment compared to previous years. He stated that he is proud that they were able to make that type of investment to maintain what the City has. He also stated that he would answer any questions. Councilman Smith asked about the other funds and the result of the recreation agreement between the Recreation Complex, Foundation and the City. City Manager Randall stated that it is in the recreation fund with a budget of $90,000. He stated that the initial offer included a payment of $90,000 and the Recreation Center would get to keep all revenues. He stated that they were not successful in renegotiating that agreement and the old agreement has renewed for the next year. He stated that the agreement states that the City will pay $174,000 with a continued revenue split. He stated that this past year there was approximately $35,000 - $37,000 received which will be a little short. Councilman Smith asked for a breakdown of the revenue received and City Manager Randall acknowledged that he could provide the information. City Manager Randall gave an overview of the past amounts paid to the Recreation Complex noting that the original agreement that was effective in 2014 included a $120,000 payment, then in 2016 it increased to $132,000, and then in 2017 the amount increased to $174,000 which has remained. Councilman Smith stated that there were comments in the past that this was a win-win, but he didn’t feel that it was a win for the City. Councilman Smith did commend the staff that worked on the budget. Councilman Castellari asked about the contact moving forward and if there will be accountability with feedback. City Manager Randall stated that he has a meeting with Sonya to bring their proposed recreational programs by season to discuss if it will meet the needs and desires. He stated that he is hopeful for a better year and explained that he will report to the Council what their work program is for the coming year. A Motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Adopting An Operating Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2022.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: Councilman Smith
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Randall stated that in the past the employees have been provided with $100 bonuses for full time staff and $50 bonuses for part-time staff. He estimated the total cost to be between $9,000 and $9500. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving A Holiday Bonus For All City Employees.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, 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 Manager Randall stated that there was one retirement in the Police Department recently and three pending in the Fire Department. He stated that the Chiefs are working with the Fire and Police Commission to get those positions filled in a timely manner and the new hires can get into their respective academies. He stated that the lobbyist and himself had met with the Secretary of Transportation concerning improvements on HWY 51 and the railroad slow speed issues. He stated that he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting. He also shared that he is in negotiation with the 5 labor unions and first one has been completed with the operating engineers that will possibly be on the next agenda for approval.
Councilman Smith thanked Vernell Burris for his comments. He also thanked all of the staff for the work on the budget preparation.
Councilman Griffin thanked everyone including the department heads and City Manager for the budget preparation noting that it is one of the best prepared budgets and completed in such a short time.
Mayor Kuder echoed the comments made about the budget and it’s preparation. He thanked the committee for putting it all together. Mayor Kuder recognized some of the youth including Elijah Johnson for taking 3rd place in the Civic Memorial tournament. He also recognized Nora Morris for taking 4th place. He also noted that the Centralia Orphans have a 6-0 record after winning a recent tournament as well. Mayor Kuder thanked everyone involved in the Downtown Christmas Stroll this past weekend. He said that it was very well received and attended. Mayor Kuder also congratulated Flatlanders General Store and Advanced Surgical Center for their recent grand openings. He reported that there were ribbon cuttings held for them this past Saturday. Mayor Kuder also recognized Councilman Castellari for being invited to attend a national motorcycle show and for being recognized as one of the top 10 at the event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Adjourn The Meeting.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, 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 6:24 p.m.
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