City of Centralia City Council met Nov. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, November 28, 2022, 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: Douglas Hoffman, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Jeff Day, Fire Department Chief; Christopher Locke, Police 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
Vernell Burris addressed the Council regarding the property tax rate and the deadline to make changes to the tax rate. Mr. Burris also spoke regarding electric aggregation and his choice to not participate in electric aggregation.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve Items 1-3 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The November 14, 2022 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $730,593.45
3. A Resolution Setting Regular Meeting Dates For The Centralia City Council And Various Boards And Commissions For Calendar Year 2023
Ayes: 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
City Clerk Enke explained that the bids were opened for the purchase of chemicals at the water treatment plant and the low bidders for each item was being submitted for approval. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve The Water Treatment Plant Chemical Bids for 2022-2023.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS
Chief Locke and the City Council recognized K-9 Bert handled by Officer Ward. Chief Locke stated that Bert has served since 2015. He shared that there were over 500 documented deployments. He discussed some of his most notable accomplishments and presented a plaque to his handler and bone as a retirement gift to
Bert. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Retiring A K-9 Service Animal Pursuant To The Police Dog Retirement Act.
Ayes: 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 Water Cooperative for the certified water system operator. He stated that this was required by the IEPA. He stated that this resolution provides the authority to sign the agreement and any other documents required. He stated that this agreement is similar to the contract provided a few months ago for the wastewater treatment plant. Mayor Kuder clarified that there was one employee that held the certification but was not interested in the position. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With EJ Cooperative, Inc. For A Certified Water System Operator.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Smith stated that there was currently an electric supplier agreement that is set to expire in February for the municipal properties. He stated that the resolution will allow the city to solicit proposals through AGE for the buildings, plants, and properties owned by the City. He stated that the rate is in the range of 8 – 9 kwh. Councilman Smith asked who Salem used for the aggregation and City Manager Smith explained that they also used AGE for the process. Jordan Haarmann from AGE explained that Salem went with a 48 month term through Constellation with different start and stop dates. He explained that the current rate was 9.7 for a 24 month rate and that the current Ameren rate for small businesses was 14.085. Councilman Smith questioned the rates and terms of the typical agreements. Mr. Haarmann discussed the possible increases and outages due to loss of capacity. Councilman Smith asked about the effects of solar and Mr. Haarmann explained the benefits of installing solar and the incentives. Councilman Jackson clarified that the resolution was to obtain the proposals. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Allowing For The Procurement Of A Retail Electric Supplier And Authorizing The Execution Of An Agreement Between The Supplier And City Of Centralia For Municipal Electricity Usage.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Smith explained that the City of Centralia approved a development agreement in 2007 with the Villas at Heritage Woods. He further explained the development agreement required that 75% of the incremental taxes be dispersed and he explained the calculation for the amount to be paid in the amount of $23,110.73 using information received from the supervisor of assessments. He stated that this was the 12th disbursement and the maximum amount to be dispersed per the development agreement $350,000.00. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving the Disbursement of Funding per Development Agreement from the Tax Increment Finance District #6 (Raccoon Lake TIF) to The Villas at Centralia Heritage Woods, L.P. in the Amount of $23,110.73.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Smith explained that the development agreement with Country Bob’s was entered into in 2011. He stated that the agreement required 80% distribution of incremental taxes. He stated that the calculation this year resulted in the payment of $36,704.69. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Approving the Disbursement of Funding per Development Agreement from the Tax Increment Finance District #4 to Country Bob, Inc. in the Amount of $36,704.69.
City Manager Smith noted that each year the MFT program is utilized to maintain the oil and chip streets. He stated that the agreement is for the approval of Gonzalez to provide this service as they have in past years. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Gonzalez Companies, LLC To Perform Preliminary Engineering And Engineering Inspection Services For The 2023 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Street Maintenance Program.
Ayes: 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 many residents, business owners, and community organizations have fundraised, donated, and purchased holiday lighting to be used in the downtown area. He further explained that the City will be storing and installing the lighting but has not purchased any of the lighting being provided this year. He noted that the contributors included Wes Monken, Monken Automotive; Shannon Cooney, Crooked Creek Winery Downtown; The Centralia Foundation; and The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce. He stated that the value of the lighting is approximately $29,000.00 and the lighting includes 36 light post decorations and a tree to be placed at the intersection downtown. Mayor Kuder expressed how happy he was to hear that a tree would be placed once again in the intersection. City Manager Smith stated that the Public Works crews would be coordinating the installation. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Accepting A Donation Of Lights And Holiday Displays To Be Installed In Downtown Centralia.
Ayes: 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
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke provided a report concerning the 2023 election. She stated that the filing period has ended with the following candidates filing: Bryan A Kuder, Mayor, Barri Allen and Israel “Izzy” Fontanez for City Council. She explained that there will not be a lottery necessary for any of the positions on the ballot and the ballot and candidates will be certified with the County Clerks in the coming week.
Treasurer Agee stated that the budget preparation continues, and the budget and levy will be on the next meeting’s agenda.
City Manager Smith discussed the aggregation notices from Ameren stating to take action which has caused some confusion. He stated that the City’s aggregation will begin with Constellation in 2023 for a 22 month term. He stated that no action is need by residents if they wish to stay within the aggregation agreement.
City Manager Smith reported that the trash route was disrupted due to the high volume of disposal over the holiday. He stated that Monday’s route will be the first picked up on Tuesday’s route by Republic to attempt to catch up.
Councilman Smith stated that he appreciated the explanations of the energy aggregation. He congratulated the police officers that were recently presented public service awards including Officer James, Officer Ripperda, and Officer Peebles
Councilman Griffin thanked those that provided the holiday lights and for bringing back the tradition of the tree.
Councilman Jackson reported the Thanksgiving dinner provided at the Poplar Place feeding over 875 residents with a large number of volunteers assisting and contributing. It was noted that they have been providing these dinners for over 18 years. Mayor Kuder spoke about the enjoyment that his family and himself get from being able to serve the community during this event each year.
Mayor Kuder expressed his appreciation for the donors that purchased the lights for display and are bringing back the Christmas tree to the downtown intersection of Locust and Broadway. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and noted how thankful he is to call Centralia home and work with the City Council and residents.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith 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 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 6:35 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/11_-_November_28_2022.pdf
Alerts Sign-up