City of Centralia City Council met Aug. 22.
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; Steve Whritenour, Acting Police Chief; Jeff Day, Fire Department Chief; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; 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
The Mayor and City Council recognized and congratulated Water Treatment Plant Operator David Sisson for his recent retirement and years of service with the City of Centralia.
Vernell Burris addressed the City Council regarding funding the proposed pool. He suggested issuing bonds for the pool and asked that the Council consider the funds needed in the budget for the Water Treatment Plant, Police Pension, and also the pool.
Nancy Lackey addressed the City Council regarding the hiring of the Police Chief. She questioned if there was a complete background check on the candidate and discussed her concern of complaints she made against Police Chief Locke in the community in which he formerly was employed for charges that were not pressed. She stated that there is a need to promote local officers. Mayor Kuder noted the number of current officers that are not
residents of Centralia since they are allowed to live outside the city limits. Mayor Kuder also stated that the complaint that Ms. Lackey was referring to was due to the States Attorney declining charges.
Bunny Garrett addressed the City Council regarding the Laura Leake Park playground. She asked for consideration of possible replacement of playground equipment. She also questioned the procedure for hiring the Police Chief. She stated that the candidate that was chosen did not matter to her, but she was questioning how the hiring procedure was done and her concern with not being told who was being hired before it was determined.
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 August 8, 2022 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $493,634.08
3. An Ordinance Approving The Closure And Use Of Streets And Sidewalks For A City Sponsored Event, Celebrate Centralia, On October 8, 2022
4. An Ordinance Approving The Closure And Use Of Streets And Sidewalks For The Downtown Christmas Stroll On December 2, 2022
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
The City Manager explained that the Plan and Zoning Commission met on August 18th to discuss the amendment of the zoning code for fences over 4 ft. in frontage yards to allow for placement of privacy fencing. After input from Plan and Zoning, it was determined that the amendment was needed. He stated that the amendment will allow fences between 4 and 8 feet to be erected with the Plan and Zoning Commission’s discretion to be used to determine if there are safety issues due to the height of the fence such as the fence protruding out too far or preventing motorist from seeing traffic signs. He stated that if someone presents a permit for a fence they will have the ability to request a determination from the Plan and Zoning Commission. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Designating An Amendment To The Centralia Zoning And Subdivision Code Article II-10-2-2-104, (a) Permitted Obstructions In Required Front Yards.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Kuder stated that the Fairview Park Pool Committee will be comprised of 7 members with 1 Council Member and 6 citizens from the public. City Manager Smith stated that this has been discussed as a method and means to provide activities for the youth in the community and has been discussed by himself, the Mayor and Council, and members of the community, He stated that the committee is going to look at the feasibility of the pool to see if it obtainable, determine what the goals are, and to see if the City has the means to build a pool. He stated that the committee will have a lot on their plate but he feels that the result will be good. Councilman Castellari asked if all of the appointments have been made for the committee. City Manager Smith stated that the next item on the agenda is for the appointment of the individuals to the committee. He stated that it is a 7 member committee with 5 being appointed in the resolution, so there are two positions still open. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Establishing The Fairview Park Pool Committee.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Mayor Kuder stated that one of the appointments in this resolution is for George Pracht to the Recreation Board following the passing of Butch Border. City Manager Smith provided the list of members being appointed to the Pool Committee including Councilman Smith, Eric Collins, Jaycee Keef, Jennifer Price and Amanda Marshall. He stated that there are 2 other positions to fill and hopes to have them filled soon. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve 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.
City Manager Smith reviewed the summary and background to the development agreement with Meadow Woods Holdings, LLC. He stated that the amendment comes as an action item proposed between the City Council and the developer. He stated that the increase of cap size and duration are the major focal points. He stated that the funding is for the construction of six single family residences, non-motorized watercraft watercourse and launch site as well as construction of 4 lodges and 12 cabins. He stated that the reimbursement to Meadow Woods Holdings, LLC will be increased to 80% of the property tax increment paid by the developer and deposited into the City’s Special Tax Allocation Fund once the City is reimbursed $350,000. He explained that the $350,000 is taking the liability off of the City’s books to essentially pay for the roadway work that was completed to the development which will be beneficial to the City. He stated that the total being paid and reimbursed to the developer is being increased from a cap of $2.5M to $5.75M. He also noted that the sales tax rebate will increase from .5% to .8% of the 1% sales tax collected and received by the City. He stated that the rebate has been extended from August 31, 2022 to the life of the TIF or any further extensions. He also explained that the City has no obligation or liability of any kind in connection with the bond financing. Councilman Smith stated that he was happy to get this agreement to the table to move forward. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Smith_ to Approve A Resolution Approving An Amended Development Agreement With Meadow Woods Holdings, LLC.
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 he believes that the City has the right candidate to take on the role and responsibility of the Police Chief. He thanked Acting Police Chief Whritenour for the work he has done for the department over the last few months. City Manager Smith stated that the effective date of employment for
Mr. Locke is September 12th. He stated that the pension is optional, but the Chief will not be participating in that. He stated that the contract allows for payment for membership to professional organizations and uniform allowance. Councilman Smith questioned the hiring process to ask who does the hiring and background checks. He stated that it is done externally by a company outside of Nashville, Illinois. It was asked if there is a severance package and City Manager Smith stated that there was not and the contract is public record. Also, it was reported that the salary is $105,000 without any pension costs. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Christopher Locke Regarding His Employment As Police Chief.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder Nays: Councilman Smith
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke stated that the 2023 Consolidated election will be held on April 4, 2023. The petitions will be able to be circulated beginning August 30th and the packets will be available in the Clerk’s office that day. The filing date will be November 21st thru the 28th. She stated that a press release with more particulars will be released this week.
City Manager Smith congratulated everyone that was involved in the planning of the Balloon Fest. He thanked Chamber Director Marcus Holland and the committee including Councilman Jackson for their leadership.
Councilman Jackson discussed the success of Balloon Fest and the honor he had to take the 2nd Vice Chair role this year. He stated that it was a fantastic event and expressed his appreciation of the volunteers, city departments, and everyone involved.
Mayor Kuder also recognized the Balloon Fest Committee and volunteers for a job well done. He stated that it was an excellent and well attended event with visitors from considerable distances. He also recognized that Councilman Jackson will be the Chair in 2024. Mayor Kuder thanked Clean and Green for their clean up efforts the week prior to the event. He also thanked the Public Works Department for the clean up prior to the Balloon Fest.
Mayor Kuder welcomed and congratulated Chief Locke and expressed how he is looking forward to what he can bring to the City. He also thanked Lt. Whritenour for stepping up to lead the department during the interim.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Adjourn The Meeting.
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 6:26 p.m.
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