City of Centralia City Council met April 24.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, April 24, 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 Griffin
Absent: Councilman Jackson & Councilman Smith
Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Steve Whritenour, Police Department; Chad Gormann, Fire Department; 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 the use of the Youth Center and the needs that the building has. He also discussed the roadways of Calumet and Brookside and the lighting on these streets.
Wayne Sensel addressed the City Council regarding the 4th of July fireworks. He stated that the cost has increased from $10,000 to $20,000 and they are asking for the community’s assistance to raise funds to continue the tradition.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Castellari and seconded by Councilman Griffin to Approve Items 1-5 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 10, 2023 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,018,000.98
3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of March 31, 2023
4. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for the 4th of July Parade Hosted by the Veterans Affairs Committee
5. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for the Locust Street Historical Fair on May 6, 2023
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None
BIDS
None
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Smith stated that the City last adopted a Comprehensive Plan in 2007. He explained that professional standards recommend an updated comprehensive plan every ten years to help guide the development and growth of a municipality. He referenced the American Planning Association that states that a comprehensive plan is a process that seeks to engage all members of the community to create a more prosperous, convenient, equitable, healthy, and attractive place for present and future generations. He noted that one of the fundamental responsibilities of local government is to plan for future growth and development of the community and the guidance document that results from this planning process is the comprehensive plan. He stated that a comprehensive plan includes plans and recommendations to reach the desired vision of the community and a comprehensive plan assists both the municipality and the private sector in making land use decisions and benefits the community with most grant applications. He further explained that SCIRPDC was established under the Illinois Planning Act by the joint resolution of the Effingham, Fayette, and Marion County boards. The regional organization functions at the pleasure of the local governments within its rural five-county service jurisdiction and has traditionally provided the area’s public and private sector leadership with more affordable, locally accessible forms of economic development, planning assistance, and grant services. H reported that SCIRDPC submitted a proposal in the amount of $25,000 with an estimated timeline of 12 months to cover all city departments and services. Additionally he reported that a proposal was submitted by Moran Economic Development, LLC with a proposed amount of $65,400 with an estimated timeline of 12 months to cover all city departments and services. He explained that the city had budgeted $40,000 for a comprehensive plan in FY2023. Councilman Castellari questioned the cost compared to the budget. City Manager Smith stated that SCIRPDC met with the City three times to discuss the wants, needs, and desires and he is confident that they can provided the needed services to move forward for the City’s future. He noted that having a single vision will guide the City and will be beneficial for grant requests. Councilman Griffin asked what the process would consist of. Luke Eastin from SCIRPDC explained that there would be a group of individuals that are local stake holders involved. He added that his company would be handling the data gathering and basic information including the trends, population, and housing to see what stands out and what Issues that need to be addressed. He explained further that he would attend Council and committee meetings to become more aware of the needs and how the City is functioning and the possible future needs. He explained that the process would include a draft plan and then they would continue meeting with a small group. He stated that the goals and objectives would be presented with possible funding sources. He stated that later there would be the opportunity to bring in the public after approximately 6-7 months with public hearings to gather their comments and visions as well. Councilman Castellari asked if it is a data source only or if SCIRPDC will draw businesses to Centralia. Mr. Eastin explained that the plan will be able to assist those looking to establish businesses. He explained that businesses will have the ability to look at the key indicators including labor. He stated that a comprehensive plan doesn’t spur economic development directly, but it can help set goals and objectives to help spur economic development following the preparation of the plan to encourage more business development and retention. Mayor Kuder noted that it is a road map of where they can take the City in the future. Barri Allen questioned if SCIRPDC completed the last plan in 2007 and what was accomplished from it. Mr. Eastin stated that they did not complete that plan. Derek Sherman explained that PGAV was the vendor and he was unable to report what was accomplished. Vernell Burris questioned how the City can deal with loss of population. Mr, Eastin stated that the issue mainly is due to the aging population and the number of young adults that are leaving the community. He stated that they will need to determine how to provide a reason for them to return to the community after college. He explained that this will be part of the process to find solutions to this type of issue. A Motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With South Central Illinois Regional Planning And Development Commission To Prepare A Comprehensive Plan For The City Of Centralia.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported that the next Council meeting, on May 8th, would include the swearing in of the newly elected Council Members.
Mayor Kuder welcomed the new Council Members and also thanked Council Member Griffin for serving on the City Council and for filling the vacancy during his term.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Kuder thanked everyone for attending the meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Griffin and seconded by Councilman Castellari to Adjourn The Meeting.
Ayes: Councilman Castellari, Councilman Griffin, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/04-_April_24_2023.pdf
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