City of Centralia City Council met July 24.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, July 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, Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Council Member Jackson
Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Douglas Hoffman, 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; 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 discussed the pool project and the reduction to the taxes that occurred in the past. He suggested an increase in the tax rate or that the city issue bonds for the project in order to build a pool.
Charles Pigg addressed the City Council regarding a property at 618 N. Beech that had burnt in December and continues to have someone living in a camper trailer behind the home without water. Mayor Kuder and Community Development Director Harting addressed his concerns discussing tickets and the process that the City is working through with the resident.
Mike Morris addressed the Council on the behalf of Clean and Green. He thanked City for the annual contribution made to the facility. He reported that Project Pride is beginning again in August and September to recognize homes for their upkeep and for the pride the owners are taking in the properties. He also discussed the City Wide Clean up event and efforts planned for August 15th at 6 p.m. prior to Balloon Fest weekend. He also reported on the amounts of recyclables collected at the recycling center and their need for volunteers.
Joel Brooks was recognized for his service on the Fire and Police Commission Board.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve Items 1- 5 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The July 10, 2023 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The July 10, 2023 Public Hearing
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,052,449.53
4. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of June 30, 2023
5. Request To Use Fairview Park By The Centralia Chamber Of Commerce For The Centralia Balloon Fest On August 18, 2023
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.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None
BIDS
None
ORDINANCES
City Manager Smith stated that the City leases roadway property along the Illinois Central rail for the force main to the Industrial Park. This property is necessary for the access to the operation of the main and is the location of mileposts 253.43-253.50. The lease rate is $600 per year paid annually for a term on 5 years. The original lease dates back to 1959. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve An Ordinance Approving A Renewal Of A Property Lease Agreement With The Illinois Central Railroad Company For The Lease Of Property Lying Between 15th St. And 16th St.
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.
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Smith stated that the City needs to apply for a pipeline crossing permit from Illinois Central Railroad Company for improvements on the raw and treated water mains at the Ellis Street and Prairie Street crossings in connection with the new arterial water lines for the new Water Treatment Plant. He reported that the planned improvements for the Ellis Street crossing is the construction of a 24” PVC raw water main in a 36” casing that will cross the railway line at railroad mile post 250.68. It was explained that the planned improvement for the Prairie Street crossing is the construction of an 18” PVC treated water main in a 30” casing that will cross the railway line at railroad mile post 251.11. This permit is required by CN and the City is required to pay a $7,000.00 one time fee for each crossing. He explained that one more crossing license will be required in the future for an 18” treated water main, but it has not been completed at this time. The cost for these licenses will be paid from the water treatment plant replacement fund. City Manager Smith noted that this is a step forward for the water line from boulder pump station and the new plant. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member _Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving Pipeline License Agreements with Illinois Central Railroad Company for the Ellis Street and Prairie Street Crossings.
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.
City Manager Smith explained that Metro Ag has been the provider of the service to remove and transport the residuals/ sludge from the wastewater and water treatment plant. The wet sludge each year is injected into nearby farm fields to clean out storage basins so the process can continue. He explained that this contract includes a rate of .059/gallon. This is a slight increase from .054/gallon. He reported that they will be required to provide insurance, fuel, labor, and equipment, and coordinate and manage all required reporting to the State, City and landowner where land is utilized. The contractor is also including the option to utilize a Nuhn Agitation boat from Metro-Ag for an additional charge when necessary. He noted that this contract is specifically for the water treatment plant. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Metro-Ag Inc. For Removal And Transportation Of Water Treatment Plant Residuals.
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.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
Council Member Fontanez commended Joel Brooks for his volunteer work. He noted his efforts outside of the city as well. He expressed his respect for Mr. Brooks.
Council Member Allen thanked those that are organizing the summer concert series downtown and how she is looking forward to Balloon Fest and the upcoming boat races that are great events planned for the community.
Council Member Jackson congratulated Jeff Castellari for his investment in the community and the opening of his business. He also congratulated Joel Brooks for his service. Council Member Jackson noted that Balloon Fest is still looking for gate workers for the event. He also thanked Clean and Green for their efforts and the service they offer to the community.
Mayor Kuder detailed the City Wide Clean Up event that is being planned and requested that churches and other organizations also get involved in the event. Mayor Kuder discussed the Summer Market and its success. He reported that there were approximately 60 vendors, and the event continues to grow. Mayor Kuder also reported that the much-needed railroad crossing repairs were completed at 5th St. and also at the Calumet St. crossings. Mayor Kuder and Greg Sutton from Castle Ridge noted the upcoming Smoke on the Water event to be held at Castle Ridge in conjunction with the boat races that will include vendors and entertainment. Mayor Kuder also noted the upcoming Balloon Fest and the plans underway for Celebrate Centralia in October.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez 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.
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 6:29 p.m.
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