City of Centralia City Council met Aug. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, August 28, 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 Allen, and Council Member Jackson Absent: Council Member Fontanez
Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Blake Perez, Fire Department; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Bill Agee, 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
Mayor Kuder requested that a motion be made to amend the consent agenda and remove item #6 from the consent agenda and amend the resolution for approval to include 540 N Beech rather than 504 N Beech. A motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The oaths were administered to new Police Officers, Patrolman Crawford and Patrolman Henegar, by the City Clerk. Chief Locke presented an award from The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists to Officer Ripperda.
Steve Coleman addressed the City Council regarding grants that the City is requesting funding for in Fairview Park stating that the Youth Center needs further renovations as well. He asked that the City aid the minority population that utilizes Laura Leake Park and the Youth Center rather than Fairview Park..
Pamela La Belle addressed the City Council regarding the repairs needed in the parks. She stated that she supports the repairs but had no prior knowledge of surveys or discussions concerning the park. She questioned how the decision was made to choose Fairview Park for the grant. She stated that repairs need to be made before adding other things including repairs to the ramps at the skate park. She stated that someone was injured there recently and expressed that she recommended closing the skate park if it is not intended to be repaired. She discussed the plans of the Skate Krew to hold an event that they intend to hold in the park.
Bunny Garrett addressed the Council regarding the OSLAD grant and repairs that need to be made in the parks. She stated that she wanted more transparency and wanted the City to bring in more entities for more input. She stated that she there needs to be the same access in each neighborhood and more repairs and improvements planned.
Vernell Burris addressed the Council regarding the swimming pool and the need for a tax rate increase in order to build a pool. He stressed that the city must have a swimming pool.
Herb Williams addressed the City Council regarding the lease for the Community Youth Center. He stated that it will allow the CCYCA to move forward with a grant for more activities. He thanked the City Manager for the progress to accomplish the approval of the lease. He asked that the building plans also be accepted to develop the additional parking and opportunities for the youth. He thanked the Council and asked that they approve the lease with no hesitation in order to move forward. He also questioned the plans that were in place three years ago to attempt to develop ball fields and outdoor facilities utilizing the OSLAD grant at the Youth Center. He stated that the Youth Center was not approved for it at that time and he is not against Laura Leake Park but would like to know why that is being eliminated. He suggested that the area behind the youth center would be best to develop.
Garland Johnson addressed the City Council regarding 1006 E Rexford concerning the sewer, trees and land following the home being demolished on the property.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve Items 1 – 5 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The August 14, 2023 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,594,833.99
3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of June 30, 2023
4. A Resolution Approving The Temporary Closure Of N. Maple For A Family Event At Laura Leake Park On October 21st
5. A Resolution Approving The Temporary Closure Of S. Marion For A Family Event At Second Baptist Church on September 16th
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve a Resolution Approving the Recommendation of the Community Development Department and the Centralia Code Enforcement Department Directing The Demolition Or Repair Of Certain Dangerous And Dilapidated Buildings with the amendment including 540 N. Beech rather than 504 N. Beech.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, 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 reviewed the proposed changes to the ordinance noting that at a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on August 17, 2023, they recommended that the City of Centralia make an amendment to the Municipal Code regrading temporary and permanent signs. After research and input it was determined that this amendment needs to be made and will reflect the present and future developments. The amendment to this section applies to all signs and not only temporary signs. Section K was added to allow improvements to existing signs and there were minor grammar and punctuation corrections made as well. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Amending Chapter 6, Section 6-5 Of The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding The Regulation Temporary And Permanent Signs.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Smith discussed the proposed lease with the Centralia Community Youth Center Association at 1224 E. Rexford. He noted that the main points of the lease agreement includes the lease amount is $1 per year to be paid annually; the lease term is for a period of two years commencing June 1, 2023, and expiring May 31, 2025; the lease term shall automatically renew on the same terms and conditions as the initial lease term for five renewals unless the City or the CCYCA decides to terminate; the CCYCA or the City shall have the right to terminate the lease term at any time by providing one-hundred twenty days’ prior written notice; this agreement will require that the CCYCA provide liability insurance in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 that specifically indicates coverage for all activities of the CCYCA during the Lease Term; the CCYCA shall not have the right to sublet; the premises shall be used solely as a community center for meetings and other recreational or social functions of the CCYCA or other individuals or civic organizations as the CYCCA may permit from time to time;the CCYCA will not make any modifications, alterations, or improvements to the premises without the prior written consent of the City; the City shall be responsible for all utilities during this lease term as in the past including water, electric and trash; the CCYCA shall be responsible for all maintenance, and repairs of the premises and all improvements, except those repairs concerning current subsurface water and sewer lines as of the date of this lease; default terms and conditions as well as indemnification and liability terms are contained in the agreement to protect the City. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve An Ordinance Approving The Lease Of Property To The Centralia Community Youth Center Association.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, 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 resolution is a requirement for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space & Land Acquisition Grant (OSLAD) submission. The city’s OSLAD grant application is for $600,000 for outdoor recreation improvements and enhancements at the city owned Fairview Park. The outdoor recreation improvements and enhancements proposed for the OSLAD grant are a multigenerational playground consists of three playground areas focused on three age categories: six months to five year olds; five year olds to twelve year olds; and thirteen year olds & up. He explained that each of these playground areas will have the following two main categories of play identified by child development research: Group Play and Individual Play. Additionally, both types of play will have amenities and equipment to facilitate the following subcategories of play identified by childhood development research: Structured Play; Free Play; Physical Play; Sensory Play; Constructive Play; Creative Play; Pretend Play; and Competitive Play. The six month to five year old playground is focused on both Group Play and Individual Play with specific attention paid to Sensory Play, Creative Play, Pretend Play, Free Play, and Structured Play. One set of equipment is to create a musical playground with the idea to name this area “Tactical Tunes Studio” to facilitate Sensory and Creative Play. He further explained that the thirteen year old and up playground is focused on two fitness-focused packaged playground equipment: FitCore Extreme and HealthBeat Outdoor Fitness System. The FitCore Extreme System provides a great fitness circuit workout for ages 5 & Up as it’s designed for circuit works or as an obstacle course akin to the popular Ninja Warrior television series. The HealthBeat Outdoor Fitness System uses the latest exercise methodologies to provide a tailored workout for teens and adults of all generations and fitness levels. Additionally, to our knowledge, there are no challenge courses similar to FitCore Extreme within a thirty minute radius of Centralia, which means it could become an outdoor recreational attraction in our region. Bunny Garrett discussed the comments previously made at the public hearing. City Manager Smith stated that this grant must be submitted by September 15th but they would consider any adjustments that are able to be made. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve A Resolution Authorizing An Open Space Land Acquisition And Development ("OSLAD") Grant Application For Fairview Park.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, Mayor Kuder
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
The City Manager explained that the water treatment plant uses large filters which utilize activated carbon to filter out particulates and aids in improving taste and odor. He reported that the City has used Calgon for a many years and has developed a good working relationship as well as has come to trust their service and product. This long standing agreement was first entered into in 1986 and revised and amended multiple times to allow for the carbon exchange of the existing filters. The current rate is $4,570.00 per month and the new rate will be $5,353.00 per month. This cost has been budgeted for each year in the budget. This amendment is valid for 24 months. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving Revisions And Amendments To The Potable Water Service Agreement with Calgon Carbon Corporation for the Water Treatment Plant.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, 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 the City of Centralia approved a development agreement with Re:Purpose Development, LLC on June 12, 2023 which stipulated disbursement of $160,000 of eligible tax increment finance expenditures to be paid over two years (2023 & 2024) with the incremental taxes on their redevelopment parcels in TIF #3 being the source of this disbursement. This distribution is for $27,188.35 through eligible local ordinance & state statue designated tax increment financing expenditure categories of professional services, property assembly costs, and financing costs. This is the first distribution from this agreement. Shannon Cooney discussed the phases of development stating that they are moving into the 2nd phase of the project. He stated that this will bring additional jobs, downtown housing, additional restaurants, and entertainment. He stated that the next few months there will be additional progress. He thanked the City Manager, Mayor & City Council, and Economic Development Director for their commitment to assist with the revitalization of the downtown. He discussed the upcoming 618 Sports Academy tournaments in the park that brings in tourism, hotel guests, and business to restaurants. He stated that earlier in the year his business supported an event in Laura Leake Park and noted the progress within the city. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving the Disbursement of Funding per Development Agreement from the Tax Increment Finance District #3 to Re:Purpose Development, LLC in the Amount of $27,188.35.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, 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
City Clerk Enke discussed the annual trash increase per the 2019 contract with Republic Services, She noted that this is the 5th and final year of the contract. She explained that the cost per the contract will be increasing by 3%.
Treasurer Agee discussed the first distribution of property taxes received from Marion and Clinton County for a total of approximately $2M. He stated that these funds were distributed to the TIFs and Levy. He reported that the City has received approximately 50% of the levy to date.
City Manager Smith responded to the comments made regarding the parks. He stated that the City has a good problem. He stated that the City has a lot of great parks and there are a lot of people that are vested in them. He stated that everyone is proud of the city that is called home. He stated that the City is trying to identify areas where improvements can be made and the City is doing the best it can. He noted that sometimes there are limited grants and they come one at a time such as OSLAD but the City is looking at what can be done in Laura Leake Park, Point Park, and also the dog park. He thanked the 618 Skate Krew and everyone else for attending the meeting.
Council Member Allen also commended those that have a passion for the betterment of the City. As a pool committee member, she reported that a survey will be distributed to the residents that will ask what type of facility the public would like to see developed and how they would prefer to pay for it; either with sales taxes, property taxes, etc. She encouraged everyone to answer the survey. Council Member Allen also responded to the comments about the OSLAD grant. She stated that the City is constantly seeking grants such as the OSLAD. She stated that anyone that believes that they have a grant that the City can benefit from to bring it to their attention. She said that she is proud of the city employees that pursue and submit the grants to benefit Centralia. As a tourism committee member, she also noted that October 7th is the annual Celebrate Centralia event and encouraged everyone to attend. She stated that she was very proud of the recent success of Balloon Fest that was recently held as well.
Council Member Jackson thanked everyone for attending and for their valued opinions. He noted that Balloon Fest was a great success and thanked the City employees and all volunteers for contributing to the huge success.
Mayor Kuder stated that Council Member Jackson will be the Chairman of Balloon Fest next year. He stated that himself and his family sponsors a balloon each year and he discussed the amount of attendees at the event that were not from Centralia. He explained the significant increase in the tourism during the event. He recognized the Balloon Fest Committee for a great event. Mayor Kuder noted that September 7-10th is the Cultural Society’s Elmwood Speaks event and he encouraged everyone to contact the Cultural Society for tickets. Mayor Kuder also discussed his recent participation in a Raccoon School fundraiser for Shriner Hospital that involved himself versus Salem’s Mayor. The students raised funds and the Mayor that had the most donations was able to pie the other. He stated that Mayor Farley was pied in the face by Mayor Kuder and the students raised money for a great cause. He stated that they intend to do this again next year.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Council Member Jackson to Adjourn The Meeting.
Ayes: Council Member Castellari, 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 7:07 p.m.
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