City of Centralia City Council met Aug. 8.
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 Day, 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 Vernell Burris led the prayer.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Herb Williams addressed the City Council asking that they name a day after Butch Border following his recent passing.
Herb Williams addressed the City Council in regard to the time that it has taken to appoint a new Police Chief. He stated that there are officers within the department that are qualified and he asked that the Council be transparent with the hiring process.
Mayor Kuder and the City Council recognized Water Treatment Plant Operator David Sisson For 20 Years Of Service.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve Items 1-3 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The July 25, 2022 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $708,077.32
3. A Resolution Confirming Appointments of Certain Individuals to Various Boards and Commissions of the City of Centralia
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None
BIDS
None
ORDINANCES
Mayor Kuder discussed that the following nine agenda items are City properties that will be proposed for surplus sale. The City Clerk explained that all the properties will be listed in the newspaper and posted on the City website with the bid forms noting that the bids will be opened at a Council Meeting after the submission deadline.
A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - 1107 S. Poplar.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor KuderNays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 316 W. McCord.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - 215 W. 3rd.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - 705 E. Cormick.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - 424 W. 2nd.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - 916 E. 2nd.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - Meadow Lane, Raccoon Lake 3rd Addition Lot 16.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - 1335 S. Locust.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate - 330 Melrose.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Smith explained the proposed agreement between the City and BNSF to include a road closure for repairs to the tracks along 5th Street. He stated that the repairs are expected to be approximately $93,000.00 and no cost to the City. City Manager Smith stated that the project would be completed within 9 months but the City has been told that the work could take as little as two weeks. He stated that the City will receive a 60 day notice in advance of the work beginning to notice the public and emergency services. Councilman Castellari questioned if the Council could reach out to CN to also complete repairs at the same time to the tracks that are in the same area. City Manager Smith explained that this portion of the track is very rough and stated that he would reach out to CN to see if it is possible to also get their section repaired. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement For Replacement Of Railroad Crossing Surface at the 5th Street Rail Grade Crossing.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Smith explained this project is covered under FAP which will provide 2.8 miles of improvement along IL 161. He stated that the improvements will include sidewalks and ramps between Beech and Pleasant as federally required for handicap accessible crossings. He added that the project is estimated at $1.6M with no cost to the City. He stated that the timeframe of the project is rolling, with IDOT to be completing the improvements. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications Relative To Federal Aid Primary (FAP) 805 (IL 161) Section (7Z-2, 8Z-2) SW-1 In The City Of Centralia Marion County, Illinois.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Smith stated that the City has been utilizing EJ Cooperative for operating services for water and wastewater. He explained that the most recent agreement in 2020 identified a certain number of hours and days that the operators are required to be at the wastewater plant. He stated that the newly proposed agreement modifies the agreement to be in compliance and meet the standards as required by the EPA. He recognized the phenomenal staff that works at the plant. He further noted that there is a 90 day notice that can be given to EJ if the services can be provided in house, however at this time this agreement will allow the City to be in compliance while continuing to utilize them. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With EJ Cooperative, Inc. For A Certified Wastewater Operator.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By The City And Authorizing Said Sale- 902 S. Marion.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
Abstain: Councilman Castellari
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS
City Manager Smith announced that with the Council's support, a committee will be formed to review the possibility of repairing or building a new pool in Fairview Park for the community. He stated that the committee would review plans and the impact it would have on the community.
Mayor Kuder stated that himself, the City Manager, Public Works Director and Public Property Foreman all went through the pool and buildings to look at the condition of them. He explained the deplorable condition of the pools. He stated that the pools have cracked and are beyond repair. He discussed the state of pool, plumbing, filtration, and facilities that were built in 1979 and no longer operational. He estimated that the costs can be easily $4-$6M or more. Comments were made from the public in attendance asking about financing, use of city employees for the project, and the use of the pool by the public. Mayor Kuder stated that the committee will look at the financing options and any grants that can be obtained, will be sought out. He stated that the Clerk has begun outlining the goals of the committee and what should be reviewed and determined by the committee. City Manager Smith stated that they would use City employees where possible to utilize staff to reduce the costs where possible. He stated that one of the main reasons to have a committee is to ensure that the City is being fiscally sound and not pushing the costs off onto others to pay for it. Councilman Castellari stated that a committee will also help to share information about the project with the public. He stated that there are many options, and the main goal would be to attract individuals to visit and spend money in the Centralia. Councilman Smith stated that he is also in favor of forming a committee. He stated that he foresees an increase of taxes needed in order to pay for a new pool in the form of sales tax. Councilman Smith stated that the pool will be family friendly. City Manager Smith stated that the goals for the use of the pool is to be all inclusive as well as family friendly.
Councilman Castellari stated that it is good to see the surplus properties being sold to get them back on the tax roll.
Councilman Smith stated that he appreciated Herb Williams addressing the Council and his concerns about hiring the Police Chief and he hopes that something can be decided soon.
Councilman Griffin referred to some of the comments made about the pool stating that the committee is just getting started. He explained that he feels that it is a long way from being something that the City is able to do since there is a water plant and other projects being put before a pool. He stated that the City is just going to look at the options available.
Mayor Kuder stated that in regards to honoring Butch Border, he has already considered honoring him and will be at a later date out of respect of the family to allow for the mourning and grieving of the whole City and his family.
Mayor Kuder discussed claims that have been made by Gus Moss and Moss Elite Academy in 2021 for a supposed Centralia Gives Back Award and also recently for a Key to the City award for work with the youth. Mayor Kuder stated that the Gives Back Award doesn't exist and neither of these awards were provided to Gus Moss or Moss Elite Academy by the City, the Mayor, or any Council Member. He stated that it is offensive to hear that an individual purchases and presents their own award and claims that it has come from the City. He stated that many phone calls have been received about these situations. He noted the importance and significance of the Key to the City honor, noting that it was last presented to Governor Rauner after Murray Center was not closed.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Jackson 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, & Mayor Kuder
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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