City of Centralia City Council met May 9.
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 Smith, Councilman Griffin, & Councilman Jackson Absent: Councilman Castellari
Staff Members Present: W. Kory Smith, City Manager; Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Douglas Hoffman, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Director; Gayla Harting; Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Steve Whritenhour, Acting Police Department; Chief Lynch, Fire Department; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; 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
Mike Morris, on behalf of Clean and Green, thanked the City of Centralia for the financial support provided to Clean and Green. He also thanked the City for organizing the City Wide Clean Up in the Spring. He stated that Clean and Green intends to organize more clean up events in Centralia before Balloon Fest and the Halloween Parade. Mayor Kuder noted that the financial contribution that the City budgets and provides to Clean and Green is $25,000 and thanked them for what they do to keep Centralia looking nice.
Vernell Burris stated that he did not support the FOP agreement or any agreement that included 4% raises for four years. Mr. Burris also stated that he had heard that Marion County Housing Authority is considering moving their office from Centralia to Salem and he is opposed to them relocating their offices and hopes the City Council will also oppose their relocation. Mr. Burris also noted that he had heard Lt. Whritenhour, who is serving as the Acting Chief, is not interested in becoming the Chief of Police but he would like Sgt. Peebles be considered. He stated that he understands that it is a nationwide search but he would like the City to hire someone local.
The Mayor and City Council recognized the retirement of the Public Works Maintenance Operator Michael Hardin for over 19 years of service and also Police Chief Greg Dodson for over 22 years of service.
The Mayor and City Council presented a proclamation recognizing State Long Jump Champion Kylie Gormann.
City Clerk Enke explained that ICRMT provides insurance and risk management services to the City of Centralia. She explained that 16 tasers were purchased this year and 8 of the tasers were paid for with the grant from ICRMT in the amount of $9,982.56. Tom Simpson presented the grant funds received from ICRMT to Mayor Kuder.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve Items 1-7 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 25, 2022 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 25, 2022 City Public Hearing
3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 25, 2022 City Public Hearing -CDBG
4. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 25, 2022 City Public Hearing -Intermountain
5. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $507,718.02
6. An Ordinance Approving The Closure And Use Of Streets And Sidewalks For A Crooked Creek Winery Downtown Event On Various Dates
7. A Resolution Confirming Appointments of Certain Individuals to Various Boards and Commissions of the City of Centralia
Ayes: 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
The opening of bids for property located at 122 E. Broadway was held. City Clerk Kim Enke announced that there were two bids received. The bids were opened with one received from Todd Wilson, Moose Lodge #1219 in the amount of $30,000.00. The second bid received was from Re: Purpose Development LLC in the amount of $60,000.00. She stated that these bids will be reviewed by the City Manager and submitted to the City Council with any recommendations.
ORDINANCES
City Manager Smith stated that the text amendment to the zoning code proposes changes to include research labs and facilities as a special use to the B-3 Highway/Arterial Business District. City Manager Smith stated that the Plan and Zoning Commission has already reviewed and approved the special use. He stated that the special use is in regard to a potential business that will provide jobs, buildings, and economic opportunity to the area. A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Designating An Amendment To The Centralia Zoning And Subdivision Code Article III-10-2-3-109.3, Special Uses For The B-3 Highway/Arterial Business District, To Include Research Laboratories and Facilities.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Smith stated that this proposed collective bargaining agreement is with the Police Patrol Officers. He stated that he had previously met with the union representatives, and they were able to come to an agreement on all terms. He stated that the remaining negotiation included personal days which remained at status quo. He stated that the union will receive a 4% increase which is the same as the other collective bargaining agreements. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution To Accept The Collective Bargaining Agreement With The Fraternal Order of Police Union #229.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Smith explained the agreement with Chief Dodson. He stated that it allows coverage through the City’s health insurance and shortens the obligation under the previous agreement with Chief Dodson. He stated that it is mutually beneficial for both sides. Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Authorizing And Approving Temporary Continuation Of Benefits Following Retirement of Chief Greg Dodson.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Smith stated that the City was informed that the railroad spur in the Industrial Park is in need of repair. He stated that the specific issue was addressed previously but this is a different portion of the track. He stated that they have been notified that without the curing the defect, potential for derailment is a possibility. He stated that due to the time restrictions, nature of work, and potential issues they are asking for waiving of the bid process to allow Ironhorse to complete the repairs. He noted that this contractor had previously made repairs on the track for the City and is familiar with it. He added that 120’ of track is part of the project. Councilman Smith asked for clarification that the repairs are on the same line. City Manager Smith stated that they were made aware of this before but elected at the time to not repair this at the same time as the other repairs. Jeff Schwartz stated that it is a broken rail and in need of immediate repair. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Ironhorse, Inc. For Railroad Maintenance In The Amount Of $19,456.65.
Ayes: 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 Smith referred to Mr. Burris’ comment about the vacancy in the Chief of Police position. He stated that he is hoping that local qualified individuals will be submitting applications.
Councilman Smith thanked Gayla Harting and staff for planning the Locust Street Fair. He stated that it was a well-attended event. He also wished all Mothers a Happy Mother’s Day.
Mayor Kuder thanked Gayla Harting as well and stated that the event has outgrown the two blocks on Locust. Mayor Kuder also welcomed the City Attorneys, Andrew Thomson and Douglas Hoffman.
Mayor Kuder addressed the comments made by Herb Williams, the Executive Director of the Centralia Youth Center, at the previous meeting requesting that the City reinstate paying for the part time positions at the Youth Center. He clarified that although the City stopped paying wages through payroll including withholdings, workers compensation, etc. the City was still contributing funds. He added that the City had no management of the individuals being paid. He stated that their budget was previously $45,000.00 and the 2022 budget provided for an additional $10,000.00, for a total of $55,000.00. This would leave the responsibility of hiring and paying the wages of the employees to the Youth Center and removed the liability from the City. Mayor Kuder referred to Mr. Williams comments that the City needed to invest in the Youth. Mayor Kuder stated that the City has invested in the youth and will continue to invest in the youth. He stated that after the last meeting many residents had contacted him or other Council Members asking why support wasn’t given. He explained that the City of Centralia not only contributes $55,000 but also owns the building that the Youth Center operates within and they do not pay rent or a lease fee. He stated that the City pays the electric, water, and trash at the location in addition to property and liability insurance. He stated that the City cares about the youth and does invest in the youth of Centralia. He stated that many may not be aware of what is provided to the Youth Center, so he wanted everyone to know so it is clear that the City does invest in the youth. He stated that it is up to the Executive Director to ensure that they are financially responsible to provide the programs.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin 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 6:25 p.m.
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