South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Feb. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, February 13, 2023, 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: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Jeff Day, Fire Department Chief; Christopher Locke, Police Department Chief; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; 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

Frank Pallazollo addressed the City Council regarding buildings that had sustained fires on Dimick and Walnut that have not been cleaned up. He stated that the rubbish after the fires needs to be addressed. He also stated that building and zoning codes and subdivision covenants within neighborhoods also need to be upheld. He specifically noted a dumpster on Pinehurst that he felt was in violation and needed to be reviewed.

Matt McGuire addressed the Council regarding storm water that has been backing up on 924 E McCord. He also noted that 936 McCord has a ditch that needs opened up to alleviate the problem. He stated that he dug a ditch to temporarily relieve it. He also stated that he has received letters in the past about high grass and could not mow it due to the standing water.

CONSENT AGENDA

A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve Items 1 & 2 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The January 23, 2023 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,220,469.06

Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Jeff Schwartz provided a report involving the Gragg St. road project. He stated that it has been 5 years since the project planning started, He stated that the original estimate was $1.5 M two years ago, but prices have increased. He stated there were 3 bidders on the project with Guinzy being the lowest bidder with a $1.7M bid. He stated that the project includes approximately 8000 ft. of new roads, ditches, and culverts. He explained that there will not be storm sewer or curbs installed. He stated that the project will provide a better roadway with improved drainage. He stated that funds have been received from Federal STU funds and also from the opportunity grant. He stated that right of ways had to be purchased, there have been engineering costs and poles moved. He explained that the City will need to match 20% but there will not be any general fund expenditures due to the grants received. He stated that he expects it to be approximately 6 weeks before IDOT gets the contracts and approval. He estimated that the start date will be May and confirmed for Councilman Smith that it should be completed before the end of the year. Mayor Kuder questioned the progress and road closures involved currently with the sewer project with Director Schwartz noting that the closures for the sewer and road project will be ongoing but there will always be a way for residents to get to their homes.

BIDS

City Manager Smith stated that the fiscal year 2023 Budget includes funds for two zero turn lawnmowers, one being a 72” and one being a 60”. He explained that the Public Works Department solicited sealed bids and received 8 bids for the 60” and 10 bids for the 72”. The bids were summarized in a bid tabulation and the lowest bid for each mower were from Outdoor Power Sales & Service in the amounts of $11,075.00 and $11,575.00 for a total bid of $22,650.00. City Manager Smith noted that $25,000 was budgeted for these two mowers. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Bid For Two Zero Turn Lawn Mowers For The Public Property Division From Outdoor Power Sales & Service In The Amount of $22,650.00.

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 Public Works Department fiscal year 2023 Budget includes funds for the replacement of concrete in the downtown area. He stated that this is part of the council’s scope to revitalize downtown Centralia. He added that the project includes the removal of colored brick paving area and the replacement of the brick with 4” of stenciled concrete. He also noted that the City is to provide the concrete, rocks, stencils and wire and the disposal of the material which is estimated at approximately $3000.00. He listed the locations that are included in the project which were 100 Block of South Locust, 100 Block of East Broadway, 200 Block of East Broadway, and 300 Block of Easy Broadway. He reported that the bids that were received were from Guinzy Construction in the amount of $48,713.80 and the low bidder T&L Contracting in the amount of $32,040.00. He stated that $60,000 was budgeted for the project. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Bid For Concrete Replacement In The Downtown Area From T&L Contracting In The Amount Of $32,040.00.

Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

ORDINANCES

None

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Smith stated that a trailer was quoted for purchase for the public works department from the streets budget as budgeted for 2023 noting that $10,000 was budgeted. He reported that the low bid was over budget by $690.00. He stated that the trailer will be used mainly by the water department to transport the skid steer or other equipment. He stated that there were three quotes for like products to compare and recommended the lowest quote. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Kapp Trailer Sales & Service LLC For The Purchase Of A Trailer In The Amount Of $10,690.00.

Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

City Manager Smith provided the history of TIF #3. He stated that the Centralia Railroad Corridor Redevelopment Plan was adopted in downtown Centralia in 2003 and amended and expanded in 2014.He explained that it is due for expiration in June 2026. He stated that while it is a while off, he would like to begin the process in order to stay on track. He stated that many notable projects have been made possible in the past to businesses within the TIF and new projects are also ongoing, and the project area has begun to see improvements that make the expansion necessary and beneficial to the attraction of new business and for the retention of existing businesses in the downtown area. The services will include the necessary steps to request the extension and obtain support of the taxing districts and legislators. The fee for the grant services is to be paid from the TIF as eligible expenses and will be paid hourly not to exceed $5,000.00. He stated that this agreement will be with SCIRPDC and the extension of the TIF will show developers that the city is trying to assist developers when possible and help with the revitalization of the downtown. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Approving A Professional Services Agreement With The South Central Illinois Regional Planning & Development Commission For TIF Extension Assistance.

Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

Chief Locke stated that this agreement was presented to Salem last week and will also be presented to Marion County. He stated that the three departments have similar viewpoints and community involvement. He stated that this agreement will provide more resources to protect communities and citizens. He stated that the logistical approach to this is that when Centralia helps Marion County, the officers are under the same legal protections as if they were in Centralia. He added that if there was a natural disaster a mutual aid agreement would also help with the recovery of funds. The Marion County Sherriff Kripps was in attendance and stated that this gives the resources to have multiple detectives from other departments on scene in a major crime. Mayor Kuder confirmed that each department can equally use the other departments that are part of the agreement when in need. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Authorizing A Mutual Aid Agreement With The City Of Salem Police Department And The Marion County Sheriff’s Office To Promote Public Safety And Protect The General Welfare Of The Citizens.

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 proposals were provided by the previous auditor Kujawa & Batteau, P.C. and also C.J. Schlosser & Company, L.L.C. for performing audit services for the 2022 audit. He explained that last year a one-year term was approved and there was also only one proposal submitted due to the lack of availability of other auditing firms. Timing of tax season with the City’s fiscal year and the limited amount of firms that are qualified to conduct municipal audits are some of the reasons there has been low response in the past as well. He reported that the proposals provided were C.J. Schlosser & Company, L.L.C in the amount of $30,000 and Kujawa & Batteau, P.C. in the amount of $33,000 plus $3,000 for a single audit. He stated that the cost last year paid to Kujawa & Batteau, P.C. was $34,000 with an additional $3,000 for a single audit for the 2021 audit. He stated that with approval the city will have the process started in the next 1-2 weeks. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Accepting A Proposal From C. J. Schlosser & Company, L.L.C. For Professional Services In Connection With The 2022 Audit.

Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

OTHER BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

City Clerk Enke announced that the Public Works Department will begin spring leaf vacuuming service on March 13th and will continue thru April 7th. She noted that bagged leaf and limb collection continues thru Republic Services. Also she noted that the next burn weekend is March 3rd and 4th for residents.

Councilman Smith recognized the Police Chief, Sherriff Kripps and Chief Ambuhl for their work. He also asked about any progress to regulate motorized bicycles. Chief Locke stated that himself and the City Manager have been discussing this and continue to work on it. Councilman Smith also congratulated the orphan wrestlers for their advancement to State. He congratulate the wresting program on a great season.

Mayor Kuder congratulated the Central City Citians for taking second place to Woodlawn at State. He also announced that the Centralia Annies basketball and Orphans basketball sectionals are coming up and will be played at the high school.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Adjourn The Meeting.

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 6:27 p.m.

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