City of Centralia City Council met March 14.
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: 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 addressed the City Council in regard to the resignation of the City Manager. He stated that next week he will begin to circulate a petition to change Centralia to a mayor form of government. He asked the Council for support.
Lashawnda Brumfield addressed the City Council regarding her concern for the youth. She discussed how she feels that kids are being labelled something that they are not. She stressed the importance of having positive things for them to be involved in and the need for assistance for the youth. Ms. Brumfield asked that the community come together to help change things. She referred to a recent incident at the Junior High School involving her grandson and the discipline he received.
Shirlena Barnes addressed the City Council regarding a recent incident of her son being approached by an officer for looking suspicious. She stressed her concern with her son being targeted by officers. She discussed a recent incident involving other teens that were questioned and arrested.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve Items 1-4 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The February 28, 2022 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The March 3, 2022 Special Meeting
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $613,925.36
4. A Resolution Approving The Recommendation Of The Community Development Department And The Centralia Code Enforcement Department Directing The Demolition Or Repair Of Certain Dangerous And Dilapidated Buildings
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
City Clerk Enke discussed the bid that was received from Brink Bros. Grain and Trucking Inc. She stated that the costs have increased by approximately 45% over last year. She noted that one of the suppliers from last year was asked to bid but declined. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve The Bid Received for Aggregate Materials for 2022 Public Works Maintenance
From Brink Bros. Grain and Trucking Inc.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
City Clerk Enke discussed the pending application from Hair of the Dog, LLC located at 325 S. Poplar. She discussed the previous approvals of the kennel ordinance and the P& Z approval for the business. She explained that the application is for a Class A license which would allow all liquors, beer, and wine. She stated that there is a sublease from the Barking Lot and the business is not intending to serve food at this time. It was also explained that the license was reviewed by the Attorney and Liquor Commissioner and the business qualifies for the application. The Mayor asked the owner, Hannah Shores, who was in attendance when the business was expected to open. She explained that the bar is expected to open before the kennel, but she did not have a definite timeline for the construction due to waiting on some fence materials. Councilman Castellari clarified that the hours of the business, including the dog park, would not have late night hours as other bars typically do. Ms. Shores stated that the primary operation of the business is the dog park not the bar. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Increase In The Number of Class A Liquor Licenses.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
City Attorney briefly explained and reviewed the details of the separation agreement with Scott Randall stating that it was a standard mutual separation agreement. He stated that the agreement includes 20 weeks of pay, plus vacation and benefits. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Authorizing And Approving A Separation Agreement With City Manager Scott Randall.
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
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin Designating Kim Enke As Administrative Officer To Perform Duties Of The City Manager Effective March 15, 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.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilman Smith stated that he would like to table this agreement for the Water Treatment Plant. He stated that he would like to hopefully form a task force for the water treatment plant to show due diligence. Councilman Castellari stated that he also agreed and would like to review the involvement of local businesses such as EFI to see what they can do to help. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Table A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Curry & Associates Engineers Inc. For Engineering Services Pertaining To The Construction Of A New Water Treatment Plant And Raw Water Main Extensions To And From The Plant.
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
City Clerk Enke announced that the city-wide cleanup will begin April 11th with items being placed at the curb and collected by the Public Works Department. She also announced that the leaf vacuuming has begun and will continue through April 8th. As an update to the water main project from Boulder to Shattuc Rd, Ms. Enke explained that the process to obtain easements for the water lines will be starting soon to move forward on the project. Also, it was reported that the liquor license hearing was held by Mayor Kuder for liquor violations. She reported that fines were assessed, and Mayor Kuder has been diligent to address the underage sale of liquor with the businesses.
Councilman Castellari stated that it is important to note that previous councils have not moved forward with the improvement of the water plant, and it is needed. He stated that they are well ahead of the curve and want to look at EFI and other things to be able to support those that are local. He stated that he feels there should be a three-bid process and evaluation before choosing. He stated that this plant is critical to the City.
Councilman Smith thanked Lashanda for speaking during public participation. He stated that there are many resources that could be called upon including the Fred Pearson and Bobby Joe Mason Foundation in addition to the youth center and many other resources for the youth. He stated that he appreciated her discussing her concerns during the meeting.
Councilman Jackson explained that he appreciates those in attendance and for showing their support. He stated that the Council does listen to the comments made and they are making the best decisions they can for all of the citizens, and everyone involved. He stated that they are doing their best and do care.
Mayor Kuder recognized the late Roland Lawson that was an Army Veteran, State employee for the Illinois Department of Correction, and also an employee of the City of Centralia for 33 years as an Electrician. He offered condolences to his family during this time.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Adjourn The Meeting To Closed Session Under 5ILCS 120/2(C)(1) The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, Or Dismissal Of Specific Employees, Specific Individuals Who Serve As Independent Contractors In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or Specific Volunteers Of The Public Body Or Legal Counsel For The Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony On A Complaint Lodged Against An Employee, A Specific Individual Who Serves As An Independent Contractor In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or A Volunteer Of The Public Body Or Against Legal Counsel For The Public Body To Determine Its Validity.
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 6:28 p.m.
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