City of Centralia City Council met Feb. 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, February 27, 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 Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, & Councilman Jackson
Absent: None
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; 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 City Council regarding housing and the availability of three bedroom homes in Centralia that can be rented. He also requested that the city consider issuing bonds for the pool to be built.
Ken Bauer addressed the City Council regarding yard waste pickup. He discussed his personal experience with the timing and delay of yard waste collection. He stated that the numerous bags were not collected as expected. He stated that he would like the contractor to be held accountable to provide the service they are contracted to do in a timely manner.
The Mayor and City Council recognized the city employees that have recently completed milestone years of service including Public Property Maintenance Operator Sheila Terry For 30 Years Of Service, Fire Department Captain Chad Gormann For 20 Years Of Service, and Public Works Operating and Maintenance Brandon Burleyson For 15 Years of Service.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve Items 1-3 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The February 13, 2023 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $836,077.36
3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of January 31, 2023
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
Chief Locke introduced a new Chaplain program for the Centralia Police Department. Chief Locke explained the support provided and the duties of the chaplain. He stated that Pastor Steve Upchurch has been chosen as the Chaplain. Pastor Upchurch and his wife was in attendance and was introduced by Chief Locke.
BIDS
City Manager Smith stated that the fiscal year budget in the cemetery fund includes funding for the purchase of one utility vehicle to be utilized by the Public Property Division of Public Works. The Public Works Department solicited sealed bids and received four bids. He explained that the lowest bid was from Okawville Equipment in the amount of $17,265.66. He stated that it will be used for the department and also for those that are visiting the cemetery to purchase sites or during burials. He stated that the bid was below the budgeted amount. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Bid For Utility Vehicle For Cemetery Use By The Public Property Division From Okawville Equipment In The Amount of $17,265.66.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
City Manager Smith stated that the composition of the Tourism Commission is being revised to be more reflective of the community members. He reported that the Centralia Tourism Commission was established in 2001 and the composition of the commission members has changed over the years to include active residents and business owners that are interested in increasing tourism and the promotion of Centralia. Recent vacancies on the board have caused the commission and the City to consider additional changes to the composition of the commission to better clarify the member roles to accomplish the commission’s goals and also represent the community at large. The commission members were in favor of the change at the Tourism Commission meeting recently held on February 21st. He reviewed the changes to the ordinance that include at large members and also will allow Centralia business owners to participate that are not required to be residents of the city. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding The Centralia Tourism Commission.
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 Clearwave was represented by Eric Gregg who was in attendance to answer any questions the Council may have concerning the expansion of Clearwave in Centralia. He stated that they are expanding in many municipalities throughout the region. City Manager Smith explained that Clearwave has been providing fiber optics to business is Centralia for over 12 years. They are expanding their territory to include residential service and the ability to also serve more small businesses by providing fiber optic internet services to a large portion of the homes in Centralia. The process prior to this expansion involved granting use of the right of ways as a site-specific permit approval. This agreement will allow them to use the right of ways of the areas provided in their initial phase for a sum of $50,000.00. The City will work with them to review and approve the permits as they progress with the installation which is expected to be at the rate of 500 feet or more per day. Payment of the $50,000.00 will be paid initially upon issuance of the permit and 50% upon project completion. He introduced Eric Gregg who explained that fiber optics are a useful tool to market the community and helpful for growth. Mayor Kuder questioned the timeframe for completion of the project as outlined in the provided map. Mr. Gregg stated that work will be happening within the next few months and there will be more activity. Mayor Kuder also inquired about directional boring and the restoration of the areas that they work in. Mr. Gregg stated that reclamation is a large part of the job and included in the contract to correct and fix anything that is disturbed. The City Manager also explained that the contract includes a 10 day or 48 hour turnaround for various reclamation time frames. Mr. Gregg stated that Clearwave will be staying in contact with staff to keep them aware of the progress and City Manager Smith stated that there will be growing pains during the project, but this will be a great service to be able to offer to residents and businesses. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve An Ordinance Approving a Right-of-Way License Agreement with Delta Communications, LLC d/b/a Clearwave Communications for the Installation of Fiber Optic Cable.
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 stated that this resolution of appointment is in conjunction with the Tourism Commission revisions to make appointments including Greg Sutton and Kelsie Smith. He stated that the other appointment being made is for the Fire and Police Commission including Julius Flagg. He stated that his wife was one of the individuals being appointed by the Mayor and he asked that the Council not take that into consideration for approval of the appointment. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin 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.
Chief Locke stated that this is a similar mutual aid agreement that was approved previously with Marion County and Salem. A motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve A Resolution Authorizing A Mutual Aid Agreement With The Village Of Central City Police Department, City Of Wamac Police Department And Kaskaskia College Police Department 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 provided an overview of the committee’s request to proceed and the services included in the next step from Burbach. He stated that the City had previously approved the services from Burbach Aquatics to complete Phase 1, Step #1 in 2020. He added that later the City Council formed a committee in 2022 to gather information and compile financial estimates of cost and operation in order to formulate a report and recommendation to the City Council concerning the pool. He reported that this committee has met multiple times and has now determined that they would like to move forward with the next phase, Phase 1, Step #2 of Burbach Aquatics original proposal noting that the cost of this is $2,850.00 plus reimbursables. He reviewed the key points that this next step will include such as technical analysis of the site, review of community demographics, performing a marketing study, analyzing the pool usage and demand, review existing and proposed needs for programing, complete a demand analysis to determine size of pool recommended, develop a conceptual plan of the proposed facility and gather input concerning it, and provide opinions of probable costs and prepare final recommendations. Councilman Smith as a member of the pool committee stated that there have been multiple meetings and have been working with Burbach. He stated that they have been in the aquatics business for a number of years in the Midwest. He stated that the Committee thought it would be in the best interest to have them handle the next step. Vernell Burris questioned how it will affect the outcome of the committee. Councilman Smith stated that the committee and Council have the final say but this is following through on fact finding for the group to be presented to the City Manager and Council. Mayor Kuder explained the process and the fact finding process that Burbach would do to determine if it would be cost effective. He stated that himself, Councilman Castellari, and the City Manager have discussed the process with them in the past. Councilman Castellari asked if the committee is aligned with what they are wanting to build. Councilman Smith stated that they are looking at a smaller scope but a variety of water features. Councilman Griffin asked if there was any discussion with other communities concerning the financial outcomes of the pool. Councilman Smith stated that Salem and Mt. Vernon were reviewed, and Salem was concerned with what their expenses are and their current financial situation. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Accepting A Proposal For Professional Services From Burbach Aquatics, Inc. For The Repair, Renovation, Or Replacement Of The Fairview Park Swimming Pool.
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 Manager Smith stressed that with the unpredictable weather at this time of year residents should pay attention to the sirens and news to stay updated on the weather and stay safe.
Councilman Castellari stated that he felt that the pool is a great idea and agrees that they should look outside the box with features such as a lazy river to draw people to the community.
Councilman Griffin congratulated the Orphans on their regional championship and encouraged everyone to support them during their sectional game.
Councilman Jackson stated that he was able to attend the Wall of Honor banquet with City Manager Smith. He stated that it was well attended and there were many great speakers. He congratulated the Youth Center on a great event and also congratulated the Honorees including Joel Brooks.
Mayor Kuder also congratulated Joel Brooks for being honored at the Youth Center event. He also encouraged the support of the Orphans at the first round of sectionals to be played at the high school.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith 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 6:34 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/02-_February_27_2023.pdf
Alerts Sign-up