City of Centralia City Council met Jan. 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. City Clerk Enke called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Absent: Mayor Kuder & Councilman Smith
The City Clerk stated that due to the absence of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, a motion to appoint a councilman to preside over the meeting will need to be made. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Appoint Councilman Jackson To Preside Over The Meeting.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried
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; and Kim Enke, City Clerk
PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Councilman Jackson led the Pledge of Allegiance and Debbie Smith led the prayer.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Marion County Board Chair, Debbie Smith, addressed the Council in regard to concerns that the City currently does not have an animal control officer. She stated that the County Animal Control Administrator, Ken Ferguson, is a part time position. She stated that while the County has stepped forward to help the City until an animal control officer is hired, but she noted that it is a hardship on the County due to him being part-time and not being able to provide the response time needed. She stated that she has previously reviewed the procedures with Lt. Whritenour and Community Development Director Harting regarding the interim procedures for calls. She stated that it is important for the community especially during the inclement weather. She also reported that the County provides $3,000/mo. to supplement the costs of the animal shelter. Councilman Griffin asked Mrs. Smith if the City was reimbursing the County for services and Mrs. Smith stated that they do not, but they may consider in the future taking the payment from the people instead of allowing the City to have the revenue.
John Stuehmeier addressed the Council and thanked them for trying to do what they can during the interim while there is not an animal control officer. Councilman Jackson asked City Manager Randall if the job opening has been posted. City Manager Randall explained that Bobby Patton was not an animal control officer, but a code enforcement officer that spent 1/3 of his time on animal control under the Community Development Department. He stated that Mimi Hawkins was hired last week as a Code Enforcement Officer. He also noted that the Council has authorized the hiring of a second code enforcement officer. He stated that they have advertised for that position with the expectations of having two people in the code enforcement department with animal control being a small function. He stated that the goal is to have that position filled by the 1st of March and on the street by the 1st of April. Councilman Castellari clarified that both code enforcement officers being hired will have dual responsibility. There was discussion about what to do within the interim period and current and past practices between Mrs. Smith, Community Development Director Gayla Harting and City Manager Randall. Mrs. Harting stated that she personally has worked with Ken Ferguson two or three times since November. City Manager Randall stated that he would look further into the process and address it at the next staff meeting. John Stuehmeier thanked the City Manager for the explanation and stated that his concern is that the animal control work continues to be done. Bill Smith addressed the Council explaining that Bobby Patton was initially hired from the County as an animal control officer and later trained to do both animal control and code enforcement.
Fire Lieutenant Garrick B. Parson was recognized for his 21 years of service to the Fire Department. CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve Items 1-4 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 20, 2021 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 29, 2021 Special Meeting
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $663,651.15
4. Approval of Request to Allow Use of Lake Centralia by the Hollywood Heights Bass Club for a Tournament on May 1, 2022
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
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 Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Table An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding A Decrease In The Number of Class C Liquor Licenses.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A Motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Pertaining To The Regulation Of Video Gaming For The City Of Centralia.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Randall explained that during the budget review they had discussed installing a lift station, but since then it has been determined by Public Works that gravity flow can be used instead. He stated that this agreement with Gonzalez is for the design and construction supervision. He noted that this project will increase the sewer capacity near the new Castle Ridge development and also accommodate their expected expansions. He stated that with these changes they anticipate the total cost to be less than budgeted. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Gonzalez Companies, LLC To Perform Engineering Design And Surveying Services For The Meadow Lane Sanitary Sewer Extension.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Randall stated that this resolution authorizes the expenditure of $640,000 with Motor Fuel Tax funds for the overlay of the streets. He stated that this is work that is expected to be completed within this year. A Motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving Improvement Under The Illinois Highway Code For Portions of Sycamore Street, Pine Street, East 5th St., and East 7th St..
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Randall stated that this agreement is for the engineering of the overlay approved in the previous resolution. He stated that the total cost is expected to not exceed $101,000 for engineering and design supervision. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement with Gonzalez Companies, LLC. To Perform Design Engineering And Construction Engineering Services For Roadway Improvements For Portions of Sycamore Street, Pine Street, East 5th St., and East 7th St.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Randall stated that the next two resolutions are agreements that the City has had with both the Fire Chief and Police Chief. He explained that these agreements allows them to retain benefits that they have had going through the ranks of office due to being promoted from within the departments. He stated that the salaries and salary adjustments are the same as other employees. He stated that the only significant change is in termination and severance benefits which he feels is favor of the City. He also added that there is no term. A Motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving The Extension Of An Agreement With John Lynch Regarding His Employment As Fire Chief.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Randall stated that if the Chiefs had came from outside the department, the terms and conditions would have been established at appointment. He stated that since the City has the benefit of each of them coming through the ranks, fringe benefits were able to be kept. He noted the difference in pay of sick leave as an employee vs. a department head. A Motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Greg Dodson Regarding His Employment As Chief Of Police.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Manager Randall discussed the staff’s progress of the 2021-2022 board goals. He noted that 5 were scheduled to be completed by the end of December and 4 were completed with one being the submission of the Main Street Grant application. He noted that there are 10 more of the 16 goals to be accomplished by April 1st and the board will get another report before the end of the year. He also discussed the water main break over the past weekend that occurred after the system was tapped by the regional fire protection district that led to a series of main breaks with 16 hours of service interruption.
Councilman Castellari noted that the Council is aware of the concerns discussed about animal control and stated that they will do their best to help. He stated that there is going to be two new people in code enforcement so there will be training and certifications to go along with it. He stated that Scott will be handling that. He asked the Chief if Wamac’s animal control officer would be able to assist. Chief Dodson stated that they have tried but he has not been available when needed. Councilman Castellari stated that there will be growing pains and agrees that there are habitual animal abusers. He assured everyone that the City and Council will work together to get these issues fixed. Councilman Griffin acknowledged that he agreed with Councilman Castellari as well.
Councilman Jackson thanked everyone for their comments. He stated that they are aware that there is an issue and he also thanked Community Development Director Harting and Chief Dodson for what they have done to handle the situations as they arise. He also thanked the County for their support. He stated that they are moving in the right direction, it is just going to take some time to get there. Kathy Stuehmeier asked who should be called to respond to a call and City Manager Randall stated that Gayla Harting and her staff will respond.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Adjourn The Meeting.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, and Councilman Jackson
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
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