City of Centralia City Council met April 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, April 10, 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; Christopher Locke, Police Department Chief; Jeff Day, Fire 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 Council regarding the Centralia Community Youth Center and it’s history of being a community center for activities following the discontinuation of use of the property by the housing authority. He also stated that he was in support of approval of waiving the fees for the cemetery services and also in support of the approval of the purchase of playground equipment being considered on the agenda.
Steve Coleman addressed the City Council regarding the recent fire at 2nd Baptist Church and expressed that any assistance is appreciated. He also discussed the improvements to Laura Leake Park and the needs at this park. He also discussed the importance of attracting new retail stores and factories.
Reverend Parker addressed the City Council due to an objection of holding church services at the Centralia Youth Center. He asked for clarity and asked if this is a written ordinance or policy that would cause the church to be in non-compliance. He stated that there are other organizations that have conducted meetings at this location in the past. Attorney Thomson addressed the concerns that the Rev. Parker shared. He stated that there is not a written policy concerning the use of the City’s property and specifically there is not a policy for using the property to hold church services. He stated that there is also the separation of church and state that needs to be considered. He stated that the City made the decision out of caution and the City would not want it to appear that there is a favoring of one religion over another. He stated that the City also must consider the liability issue of holding routine services or events on the City’s property. He stated that insurance requirements should be satisfied and noted that the City is willing to assist but these concerns are the reason that the initial determination was made. Rev. Parker stated that he spoke to Director Williams to ask if there were any problems or concerns. He stated that they are not intending to interact or conflict with the City, mix the church and state, or to make that location a church. Jennifer Price addressed the City Council concerning the separation of church and state and the difference between accommodating a church verse establishing a church. She discussed the number of entities that have utilized the facility and asked that they be considered to allow them to use the building temporarily at a time that doesn’t conflict with the use of the building on Sunday mornings. She stated that they do have insurance and janitorial staff, and she expressed that there is no basis to refrain from allowing them to use it. She cited a particular case from 1973 involving Lambs Chapel. Attorney Thomson asked that she share the particular information with him.
Herb Williams addressed the City Council regarding the CCYC programs that are provided for the citizens of Centralia. He stated that he would like to see the Center be brought into compliance with ADA with the aid of Mission Centralia installing a ramp for access to the building at no cost. He stated that the organization applied for a building permit and were denied based on the fact that it would be in conflict with the union. He stated that they have had several in the past that have donated to the Youth Center and he discussed the improvements made to the center. Mayor Kuder acknowledged that to ensure the building was in compliance the City recently had poured a concrete ingress to allow wheelchair access to the building. Mr. Williams explained that the individuals continue to get stuck in the mud leading up to the building. Joel Brooks stated that the City was aware of the issues with the entry and then installed the concrete entry to address it. He stated that currently there is a gap that needs filled at the end of the concrete and the Public Property Foreman is working on it. Mr. Brooks also expressed that an additional entrance in the front utilizing a ramp would be helpful. Mr. Williams stated that he appreciates what has been done but would like to continue to make improvements to the building.
Mayor Kuder responded to Herb Williams stating that he understands that the ramp would be beneficial. He provided an example of the liability that exists if someone else would build the ramp on City property and the ramifications of what would happen if it was not built correctly. He noted the necessity to consider the engineering and construction including load bearing support and ingress/egress. He explained that a ramp could be considered, but in order to construct one it must go through the proper process for approval and construction. Mr. Williams stated that the process in the past has been different, and he understands that it could change. Mayor Kuder stated that he supports the Centralia Community Youth Center and their contributions to the community.
City Manager Smith responded to Herb Williams explaining that he was aware of the ADA compliance concern in the back of the building that was being addressed but he was not informed of the request for a ramp at the front of the building. He stated that the City would not issue permits to itself for construction on City property. He also stated that the other reasons for stopping the construction process is that the work was proposed to be done on City property and not with the City’s labor union employees in addition to the liability concerns. He further noted that he appreciates the work being done by Mission Centralia and stated that they have helped so many individuals in need in the community. He explained that the City is risk adverse and would not want to set itself up for future litigation. He stated that the City would always want to take precautions to protect all citizens. He stated that it is a public building and the City pays all utilities including water and electricity in addition to budgeting funds for the program. He stated that he wants to see the Youth Center continue to be able to provide for the children of the community. He also stated that he understands the desire of the Youth Center to attempt to assist 2nd Baptist Church and touched on the situation that his own church has been facing as well. Mr. Williams asked about how to move forward with further requests for construction and City Manager Smith explained that this opens the door for further conversations about the future relationship and autonomy desired while providing for the individuals in the community. He stated that this will provide an opportunity to see long term how the City fits with the Youth Center’s view for the future as well. Mr. Williams stated that he would like to have a memorandum of understanding and City Manager Smith stated that he was willing to have a meeting for further discussion. Mr. Williams stated that he wanted the Youth Center Board to also understand that the Youth Center should cease to do any further construction until there are further discussions about it. City Manager Smith stated that the process would be similar to what he explained in the letter of support for the grant in January that the Youth Center was seeking. He noted that the letter contained the process and an open relationship for discussion would be beneficial. Mr. Williams stated that they will continue to keep their doors open.
Mayor Kuder and the Council Members presented a Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month to SAFE. Mel Kelly was in attendance to accept the proclamation.
Mayor Kuder and the Council Members presented a Proclamation for Master Sergeant Merritt Leroy Wynn Day. Marva Bledsoe, his niece, was in attendance to accept the proclamation.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve Items 1-7 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $800,963.31
3. An Ordinance Waiving The Application Of Section 20-125(B)(2) Of The Centralia Municipal Code And Approving A Request By The Salem High School Bass Fishing Team To Use Centralia Lake On May 7th and May 14th
4. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of City Streets for the Children’s Halloween Parade
5. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Streets for the Halloween Parade
6. Approval Of Request For The Placement Of Halloween Pumpkin Signs Along The Parade Route And Other City Streets
7. A Resolution Authorizing The Use Of A City-Owned Parking Lot For A Farmers’ Market And Authorizing Terry Herrell As Market Master
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
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Waiving The Fees For The Cemetery Services Of Fallen Soldier Master Sergeant Merritt Leroy Wynn.
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 Ameren Illinois is the owner of 500 S. Hickory which historically was the site of a coal gasification plant and their transmission equipment. Ameren dating back to 2010 cleaned up this site with removal of soil over the entire site to remove contaminants. Remediation also extended into the right-of way of Hickory Street. This HAA is required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) as a condition of their corrective action procedure. He noted that the City of Centralia is not liable for any damages caused by the contamination but is simply made aware of the issues through the approval of this agreement. He stated that he has met with Ameren to discuss this standard procedure for remediation to the ROW touching the area. Councilman Smith asked if there was oversight after seeing issues in other communities and Jeff Schwartz stated that it was a Tier 1 incident and City Manager Smith reiterated that that the City would not be liable. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Approving a Highway Authority Agreement (HAA) with the Ameren Illinois for Corrective Action Within City Right of Way Located at 500 S. Hickory.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Smith, Councilman Griffin, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Councilman Smith who serves on the Pool Committee, recognized the other Pool Committee members that were in attendance. He stated that the pool committee has met over the course of the last few months to discuss the pool with Burbach Aquatics and have came to the Phase 1 Step 2 to remove the old pool. He stated that this will eliminate the eyesore and the liability and it was determined by the pool committee to move onto the next phase. He invited anyone interested to attend the upcoming meeting. Mayor Kuder stated that regardless of how the City and pool committee proceed, the pool area will need to be demolished and filled in. He noted that the liability needs to be eliminated. Mayor Kuder also clarified that the demolition will only include the pools and not the pool house. Councilman Smith stated that they believe that the pool house could be considered for remodel and used in the future. Councilman Griffin questioned the cost of the demolition to remove the concrete and it was estimated at $5000.00 with the work being completed by the City employees. Councilman Jackson asked if it was still the intention to create a new aquatic feature at this location and asked about the future use of the pool house structure. Councilman Smith explained that it is still being considered and the hope is to utilize the existing location and the structure later but new infrastructure would be installed with any new improvements. He reiterated that the upcoming Pool Committee Meeting will include a presentation by Burbach where they will be able to answer further questions. A motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Approving The Recommendation Of The Pool Committee To Demolish The Pools At Fairview Park.
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 quotes were requested for playground equipment in Fairview and Laura Leake Park. The total cost includes the purchase of two merry go rounds and one teeter totter. He stated that this resolution will approve the waiving of the bid process due to the purchase price being over the authorized spending limit. He explained that the total cost for all three pieces of equipment and shipping is $10,998.00. Although a formal bid process is being waived, quotes were obtained from another company in the amount of $ 12,153.60 and the lowest quote is the one that is being submitted for approval from AAA State of Play. He noted that one merry go round is for Fairview Park and one merry go round and the teeter totter at Laura Leake. City Manager Smith explained that the funds were allocated for both parks in fiscal year 2023 and there are still remaining funds available for the parks after these purchases. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From AAA State of Play For Playground Equipment at Fairview and Laura Leake Park In The Amount of $10,998.00.
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 thanked everyone for attending and participating in the meeting.
Councilman Smith also thanked those that were in attendance stating that he hoped everything could be resolved with the Church and Youth Center. He explained that years ago before the Centralia Recreation Complex existed, the Youth Center was utilized for recreation. He stated that the Youth Center is near and dear to him and his family. He stated that he is glad that there will be a meeting in the near future for everyone to get clarification about what is needed for the congregation to temporarily use the facility. Councilman Smith voiced his concern that the City is in need of a new movie theatre but reviewed the large amount of activities, amenities, and events in the City for residents, youth and visitors. He also recognized the family in attendance for the Master Sgt. Wynn proclamation.
Councilman Griffin added to Councilman Smith’s comments regarding the activities noting the new developments such as Councilman Castellari’s new business. He thanked Reverend Parker and those that attended the meeting. He stated that he also hoped that once a meeting would be held there could be a solution both short and long term for the center to benefit everyone.
Mayor Kuder congratulated the students at CHS for being awarded 1st and 2nd place at the recent Kaskaskia College welding competition including Brett Page and Quaid Morgan.
Mayor Kuder also reported that following the recent storms he reached out to the Mayor of Salem to offer assistance. He reported that there were Police Officers and ESDA that were sent for assistance for traffic and additional law enforcement. He noted how appreciative the Mayor of Salem and the community of Salem was during their time of need.
Mayor Kuder also acknowledged that it was Telecommunicator Week and expressed his appreciation for what they do to serve the community and first responders.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Kuder thanked everyone for attending the meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Griffin 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 7:17 p.m.
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