City of Centralia City Council met June 13.
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: W. Kory Smith, City Manager; Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Steve Whritenour, Acting Police Department Chief; Jeff Day, Acting Fire Department Chief; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk
PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kuder led the Pledge of Allegiance and Timothea Reed led the prayer.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Mayor and City Council recognized the retirement of Fire Chief John Lynch who served the City of Centralia for over 24 years.
The Mayor and City Council recognized City Treasurer Bill Agee For 35 Years Of Service and Street Maintenance Operator Adam Newcomb For 15 Years Of Service.
A proclamation recognizing State Champion Jah’Chys Brown for his high school track and field accomplishments was presented.
A proclamation recognizing Random Act of Kindness Day on June 17, 2022, was presented to Carrie Leigh Schnicker.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve Items 1-6 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The May 23, 2022 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The May 31, 2022 Special Meeting
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,138,243.95
4. Approval Of Request To Place Decorations Upon City Owned Property For Random Acts of Kindness Day
5. Approval Of Request To Place Decorations Upon City Owned Property In Honor of Inclusiveness During Pride Month
6. An Ordinance Approving The Closure And Use Of Streets And Sidewalks For A Crooked Creek Winery Downtown Event On August 20, 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
Jay O’Brist presented his business proposal for glamping on properties along the City owned lakes including Lake Centralia and Raccoon lake. He described the proposed teepee village and the types of structures that would be available for rent which included, heating and air, restrooms, and living space. He reviewed the locations on each lake that he is interested in leasing or purchasing from the City. He also discussed his intentions to partner with other businesses such as Castle Ridge. Mr. O’Brist gave a brief overview of his current Air BNB businesses. He reviewed the steps he intends to take to operate the business and the studies and designing that will need to be completed by him. He noted how those that stay at the properties also spend money at area restaurants and stores. Councilman Castellari stated that he is 100% on board with this project. He stated that these types of things make Centralia unique. He explained that when people visit Centralia the tax revenue goes right back into the tax base. Mr. O’Brist noted that he intends to make a $1M investment into this proposed project.
The opening of bids for surplus real estate was held for 1335 S. Locust, 1015 N. Franklin, 508 & 510 E. Kell, 902 S. Marion, and the 2nd Addition, Lot 15 Raccoon Lane.
There were not any bids received for 1335 S. Locust.
The following bids were received for each of the properties:
The sole bid received for 1015 N. Franklin was submitted by Angelo and Kiyawana Butler for $1,000.00.
The three bids received for the 2nd Addition, Lot 15 Raccoon Lane included a bid submitted by Karl Barnfield for $2,500.50, a bid submitted by Ryan and Kristin McGuire for $6,251.00, and a bid submitted by Roy Haake for $5,001.00.
The two bids received for 902 S. Marion included a bid from Marion County Housing Authority for $2,010,50 and a bid submitted by C-Town Twist for $3,800.00.
The bid received for 508 & 510 E. Kell included a bid from Demetria Panega for $2,000.00.
The City Clerk stated that the bids will be reviewed by the City Manager and presented at a future meeting for consideration by the Council.
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Smith explained the resolution for the widening and reconstruction of Gragg Street. He stated that the funding will be in the amount of $1,291,047.30 and Covid funds in the amount of $58,902.77. He explained that the City’s portion will be $322,761.80. City Manager Smith explained that the funds had previously been budgeted for. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With The State Of Illinois Department Of Transportation For The Reconstruction Of Gragg Street From Lincoln Boulevard To Country Club Road.
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
City Manager Smith discussed the amendment of the zoning code. He stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission had already approved the amendment as presented for a business within this zone to have outdoor activities at their facility. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve An Ordinance Designating An Amendment To The Centralia Zoning And Subdivision Code Article III-10-2-3-115.3, Special Uses For The B-4 Corridor Business District, To Include Indoor or Outdoor Commercial Entertainment Or Recreational Facilities Including Theatres, Bowling Alleys, Swimming Pools, Billiard Parlors, Etc.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, and Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
Abstain: Councilman Castellari
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke announced that the City has started a new Facebook page, City of Centralia Illinois Government, in an effort to consolidate multiple pages and to get important information to the residents in a central location. The See Centralia page for tourism and special events will continue to be used but the City’s government page will focus on current events, press releases, and information for residents.
City Clerk Enke thanked the City Manager and Council for their support of a new event for local food truck vendors. This event, Lunch on Locust, will be held on selected Fridays each month beginning June 17th. She noted that two other dates are also planned for July 22nd and August 12th. She explained that the event will be in the parking lot at the corner of 2nd and Locust. She stated that it is a way for local business owners to promote their businesses, increase traffic in the downtown area, and also be an opportunity for residents to have some other occasional lunch options.
The Clerk announced that the Centralia Veterans Affairs Committee is planning the 11th Annual 4th of July Parade on July 4th with the line-up beginning at Noon and the parade beginning at 1 p.m. She explained that the committee is still accepting entries and Vince Rolves has been selected as the Grand Marshall. She noted that he is one of the last World War II POWs in Illinois.
City Treasurer Bill Agee reported that he had reviewed the revenues received from the State for the general fund and he informed the Council that the state share revenues are doing well. He stated that sales tax is coming in as projected and approximately $130,000.00 more than last year at this point. He also noted that the replacement tax has drastically increased with 141% of the budget received which is approximately $534,000.00 greater than last year. Treasurer Agee reported that video gaming revenue is on target and approximately $53,000.00 more than last year. He stated that the income tax is over projection with the City receiving 63% of the budget received which is $231,000.00 greater than last year. He stated that these revenues do not come in evenly throughout the year, but if they continue to do this well it will be great for the general fund.
City Manager Smith reported that the approval of the sale of the Hoffman Hart property is still being reviewed. He also reported that the City continues to utilize the consultant for the electric aggregation agreement that is set to expire in December. He stated that a meeting was planned for early June, but with the electric rates being so volatile, the meeting was postponed to late June or early July. He reminded residents that the aggregation program is optional, and residents will have the choice to opt in or opt out. He stated that the increase at minimum is estimated at ten cents per kilowatt. City Manager Smith congratulated and announced that Kim Enke has been named the Assistant City Manager.
Councilman Castellari thanked Jay O’Brist and noted that his proposed business is a great idea and stated that small businesses are the backbone of the community. He also stated that he has begun reviewing the option of no whistle zones for trains in the city. He stated that there is a lot of train traffic, and this would be a way to quietly move trains throughout the city especially noting that it can be difficult to get approval for this.
Councilman Castellari explained that he had abstained from the vote concerning the zoning amendment due to his wife’s business requesting the ability to build a miniature golf course that will provide activities for the youth. He stated that all of the small businesses help support the community and generates tax revenue. He stated that the businesses can help set Centralia apart from other communities. He stated that there is a lot of momentum happening within the city and it is nice to see.
Councilman Smith stated that he feels that the proposed business that was presented by Mr. O’Brist will be successful and help revitalize the community and surrounding area. He also thanked Carrie Perkins Schnitker for her efforts with the Random Acts of Kindness Day. He also stated that he is excited and looking forward to the upcoming Juneteenth celebration. Councilman Smith thanked Gayla Harting and Jeff Schwartz for their work with the recent property demolitions. He also congratulated Jah’Chys Brown.
Councilman Smith discussed the fundraiser that is being conducted by selling Cardinal tickets with the proceeds going towards the purchase of Christmas lights for the downtown area. He stated that there are approximately 300 tickets available for the July 13th game.
Councilman Griffin thanked Jay O’Brist for his commitment to Centralia and for presenting his idea. He also congratulated Kim Enke.
Mayor Kuder discussed the Juneteenth committee for organizing the upcoming Juneteenth celebration that will be held in Laura Leake Park on June 18th. He provided details about the planned events and stated that he is looking forward to it. Malaya Downey discussed further details about the Juneteenth event and thanked everyone for their support. Mayor Kuder also congratulated and thanked Kim Enke.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin 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 6:49 p.m.
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