South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met June 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, June 26, 2023, in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. Mayor Kuder called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Absent: None

Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Lt. Steve Whritenour, 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 addressed the City Council regarding the amount of growth and shopping that has occurred on the west side of the city. He stated that Clinton County receives a lot of sales tax while Marion County does not. He stated that he feels that more needs to be developed in the downtown area and east.

A Service Award recognizing City Clerk Kim Enke for 10 Years Of Service was presented. CONSENT AGENDA

A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve Items 1-6 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The June 12, 2023 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $766,369.78

3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of May 31, 2023

4. A Resolution Confirming Appointments Of Certain Individuals To Various Boards And Commissions Of The City Of Centralia

5. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for a Community Event on August 12, 2023

6. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for the Centralia Summer Market on July 15, 2023

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson and 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 introduced the auditor to present the 2022 audit to the City Council. Kevin Tepen from C.J. Schlosser and Company LLC presented a summary of reconciliation of fund to the statement of activities. He noted the general fund increased approximately $1.7 Million. He explained that this follows with many other municipalities due to increases in replacement, sales and income taxes. He noted the non-major funds also had increases due to ARPA funds. He noted that the funds overall had an increase of approximately $3.4 Million with an ending balance of over $9 Million. He reviewed the proprietary funds stating that there was a decrease in the funds in the water fund of approximately $393,000 but stated that it doesn’t take into consideration the cash flow. He reviewed the pension funds stating that it is also similar to what has occurred with the balances in other communities. He noted the decrease in the investment earnings of the Police Pension Trust in the amount of $1.8 Million and the decrease in the Fire Pension Trust in the amount of $2.5 Million. He stated that the market has recovered since this point but there is always going to be fluctuations. He stated that overall, the City of Centralia had a great year but as with other communities the water and sewer rates need to be monitored. He noted that steady increases are recommended to fund project expenses. He commended Jeremy Henderson for his work during the audit process. Mr. Tepen also offered to discuss report further with the Council if they had any questions about the report.

A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Accepting The Audited Financial Statements For The Year Ended December 31, 2022.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smith stated that Irvington’s water contract will be expiring in July 2023. The new contract adds terms and conditions with the contract continuing through December 31, 2028. He noted that Irvington agrees to purchase all water from the City of Centralia or a minimum of 75% of the needed supply through the term of the contract. He reported that the rate is per thousand gallons with a rate of $4.00 per thousand. He explained that this will increase annually with the Consumer Price Index. The 2022 rate was $2.89/thousand gallons. He stated that this contract is one of the nine contracts for other satellite communities and the terms similar to the contract with Raccoon Water Company that was also recently approved. He reported that this agreement has been reviewed by the Village of Irvington. Mayor Kuder questioned when the current contract began, and the

Treasurer clarified that he believed it was 1993 due to it being a 30 year contract. The City Manager stated that this contract does include an annual increase based on the consumer price index to help with inflation costs in the future. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving A Water Sales Agreement Between The City Of Centralia And the Village of Irvington.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

OTHER BUSINESS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

The City Clerk noted that due to the 4th of July falling on a Tuesday, City Hall will be closed, and trash services will run one day behind with Friday’s collection on Saturday.

Council Member Castellari praised the City Manager for his work with the finances and budget that shows in the audit that was completed.

Council Member Jackson congratulated the City Clerk and thanked her for her years of service. Council Member Jackson commended the Juneteenth Committee on a great event. He announced the upcoming 4th of July parade line up will be at Noon and the parade will begin at 1 p.m.

Mayor Kuder also congratulated the Juneteenth Committee for their very successful event. Mayor Kuder announced the Summer Market scheduled for July 15th. He stated that this is the 3rd year, and it continues to grow. Mayor Kuder also commended Mission Centralia and the United Way for placing more community garden beds throughout the city including the most recent 9 beds at City Hope Church.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Council Member Jackson to Adjourn The Meeting.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:17 p.m.

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