City of Centralia City Council met May 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, May 22, 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 Fontanez & Councilman Jackson
Absent: Councilman Castellari & Councilman Allen
Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Chief Jeff Day, 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 thanked the Public Works Department for their response to a recent repair. Mr. Burris also expressed the need for a donation to be made to the Legion, requesting the amount of $10,000.00.
Faye Courtney addressed the City Council regarding the necessity of demolishing the Midtown Motel. Mayor Kuder and Gayla Harting provided an update concerning the status of the process that the City is undergoing.
The American Legion presented a Special Resolution to Mayor Kuder and the City Council thanking the City of Centralia for extending their hospitality and generosity.
Mayor Kuder recognized the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Benji Edwards, for 15 years of service as an employee for the City of Centralia.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Fontanez to Approve Items 1-6 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The May 8, 2023 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,011,513.01
3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of April 30, 2023
4. Approval Of Request To Place Decorations Upon City Owned Property In The Downtown Area For A Centralia Downtown Co-Op Event Beginning September 24th
5. An Ordinance Approving The Closure And Use Of Streets And Sidewalks And Waiving The Application Of Chapter 11, Section 11-160 Of The Centralia Municipal Code For A Rail Coffee Room Event On October 21, 2023
6. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for the Juneteenth Celebration on June 17, 2023
Ayes: Councilman Fontanez, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Police Chief Locke discussed the recent crime statistics including the number of arrests made, traffic tickets issued, crashes, and other violence and thefts. He reported that the records department is also now tracking new categories such as overdoses, the use of Narcan, arrests involving controlled substances, and reports of shots fired. He also noted the number of deployments the canine units have been utilized for involving drug seizures and currency. He explained that the department has worked collaboratively with US Marshalls, State agencies, the surrounding counties, and other area communities on multiple occasions. He recognized the high interest and attendance of the residents that attended the first Stop the Bleed program that was hosted by the Centralia Police Department. He added that there are other future new programs planned.
Police Chief Locke introduced the two Police Department Chaplains, Henry Dabney and Steve Upchurch. City Clerk Enke administered an oath to each of the Chaplains.
BIDS
Mayor Kuder explained that the project was budgeted for approximately $600,000 and the bid received was over $900,000. City Manager Smith added that due to the increase in costs, the project is recommended to be denied and rebid with a change in scope to possibly reduce the cost of the project and receive more competitive bids. A motion was made by Councilman Fontanez and seconded by Councilman Jackson to Reject The Bid Received From Howell Paving, Inc. For The S. Sycamore, S. Pine, E. 7th And E. 5th Street Road Project In The Amount Of $909,620.87.
Ayes: Councilman Fontanez, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Mayor Kuder stated that the bid made for 825 E. Rexford did not meet the bid requirement. City Clerk Enke stated that the minimum bid was set at $1,000.00 and the bid received was only $100.00. She explained that this will officially reject the bid. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Fontanez to Reject The Bid For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate – 825 E. Rexford.
Ayes: Councilman Fontanez, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
Mayor Kuder noted that the ordinances on the agenda to approve the sale of the properties should be tabled due to the number of Council Members attending and the requirement of a super majority vote. A Motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Fontanez to Table The Ordinances Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By The City And Authorizing Said Sale – 908 N. Elm, 215 W. 3rd, & 614-614 ½ S. Pine.
Ayes: Councilman Fontanez, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried
RESOLUTIONS
None
OTHER BUSINESS
City Manager Smith stated that The American Legion Post #446, is requesting permission to use Fairview Park for the period of July 1st through July 4th, 2023 for the annual American Legion Fourth of July Celebration. As previously planned, they will host a fireworks display on July 4th, with a rain date of July 5th. Vendors will begin set up beginning on June 29th. He also noted that the requested pavilions will be reserved in the City Clerk’s Office for the 4th of July event with the fee being waived for pavilions including the CN Shelter #11 for the event and the American Legion Pavilions #1, #2 & #9 during the day for the car show, bingo, and use by the Legion. City Manager Smith further explained that the American Legion has solicited donations for the community’s 4th of July Fireworks performance due to the large increase in cost for the display. $2,000 will be donated from the Tourism fund to be used for the fireworks display and this is a one time gap funding donation. A motion was made by Councilman Jackson and seconded by Councilman Fontanez for the Approval Of Request To Use Fairview Park By The American Legion Post #446 For The Annual 4th Of July Celebration From July 1st Thru July 4th And The Donation Of $2,000 To Be Used For The Fireworks Display.
Ayes: Councilman Fontanez, Councilman Jackson, & Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported that the lake lease notices for the year have been mailed to lease holders with a 5.5% increase. Also she noted that the renewal notices for liquor, gaming, amusement, and tobacco have been mailed.
Council Member Fontanez congratulated all graduates and wished them all a safe and healthy summer.
Mayor Kuder also congratulated the graduates and offered prayers for their next journey. Mayor Kuder also commended Officer Daley for being recognized as Officer of the Month. He thanked Steve Upchurch and Henry Dabney for taking on the roles as the Chaplains of the Police Department.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Kuder thanked everyone for attending the meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Fontanez 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 and Under 5ILCS 120/2(C)(21), For The Semi- Annual Review Of The Minutes Of The Meetings Lawfully Closed.
Ayes: Councilman Fontanez, 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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