City of Centralia City Council met Sept. 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, September 25, 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: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Chief Jeff Day, 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
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Vernell Burris addressed the City Council regarding the needed increase in the taxes for the construction of a swimming pool. He also discussed the lack of entertainment for the youth in the community.
Jennifer Stilt addressed the City Council regarding the resolution to approve a façade improvement loan for 302 S. Poplar. She requested that the City Council not approve the loan due to her being aware of the owner’s criminal history.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve Items 1 – 4 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The September 11, 2023 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 780,565.81
3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of August 30, 2023
4. An Ordinance Approving The Closure And Use Of Streets And Sidewalks For A City Sponsored Event, Celebrate Centralia, On October 7, 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 this line of credit being considered is a renewal of the Line of Credit that the City has had since 2012. It currently has a zero balance. The interest rate is -1% under the index but can never be lower than 5.5% with a current rate of 7.5%. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Renewing a Line of Credit with Midland States Bank.
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 as reported at the previous meeting by the Chief of Police, the Centralia Police Department is in need of updated computers and equipment for the mobile units. The City desires to lease with the option to purchase 12 MDC systems from C.D.S Office Systems Incorporated for a total cost of $87,849.60. This will be paid in monthly installments of $1,464.16. The City will lease the equipment and enter into a sixty month/five-year lease agreement with C.D.S. The term of the lease allows for the purchase of the equipment for $1 following the lease term and this agreement also includes a non-appropriation amendment with the option for termination of the agreement if in the future the funds are not appropriated with a 30-day notice. Mayor Kuder clarified how many computers would be leased and Chief Locke verified that it would be 12 for the department. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve An Ordinance Approving A Lease Agreement With C.D.S. Office Systems Incorporated For Mobile Data Computers.
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 provided an overview of the bistro lighting project stating that the City has received a grant for improvements to the Centralia Downtown. The plans include the placement of lighting that will span the city streets. He noted that these lights are bistro lights that will connect into the buildings utilizing an anchor system and guide wires. He reported that due to the City placing this system into the buildings owned by individuals or businesses, agreements are necessary to outline the project and responsibilities. This resolution will allow the City Manager to sign all of the necessary agreements to carry out the project. He reported that there are only two others that are necessary for the project. Derek Sherman explained that the bistro lights will also be able to change colors and change patterns. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing The Execution of Agreements to Utilize Space For Bistro Lighting in the Downtown Area.
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 reviewed the proposed USDA IRP loan program. He noted that this resolution is a requirement for the Intermediary Relending Program application. He explained that the City’s application will be for $1,000,000 and will be paid back at one percent per annum over 30 years. The proceeds will be used to create a revolving loan program for the City to spur economic development and increase employment opportunities within the City thereby alleviating poverty. The interest generated through the program will be used to pay off the loan in full with no additional funding sources being required. He further explained that the program will make available loans not to exceed $250,000 at a 5% percent interest rate payable up to a period of fifteen years. Loans under the program will not finance more than 50% of the total cost of any project. Loan applications under the program will first be reviewed by City staff to ensure completeness of the application and pertinence to the goals and missions of the program. The loans will then be reviewed in detail by a newly created seven-member loan committee which will be comprised of local bankers and higher education officials. The recommendation of the committee will then be taken to the Council for ultimate approval or denial. He stated that overall, this program gives the City an additional means of spurring economic development. He noted that when speaking with developers this program has been looked upon very favorably and anticipates it to be an appealing program for many years to come. He stated that if this round is not successful the City will retry. Council Member Jackson questioned if it is for new or established businesses and it was confirmed that it would be for either as long as they qualified, Council Member Fontanez asked if the City would be on the committee and City Manager Smith stated that the City Council would have the final approval of the loans and the committee would be a group of area lenders from financial institution and leaders in higher education. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing City Of Centralia To Apply For An Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) Loan And Execute Documents Related To Said Application Under The Rules And Regulations Of The USDA Intermediary Relending Program.
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 the façade loan and improvements of the business at 302 S. Poplar. He reported that the owner is requesting façade improvement funds from TIF #3 for façade improvements. He explained that the work will replace deteriorating material to provide for a fresh look that should last 20 to 30 years. He added that the improvements will help draw patrons to the business and improve the overall appearance of Centralia. Mayor Kuder asked what type of business it would be and the owner that was in attendance, Roger Campbell, stated that it will be a nationwide call center and dispatch center. He stated that he hopes to outgrow that location but is unsure at this time of the number of employees expected. He noted the delay in power service but expects to be operating by the end of the year. Council Member Jackson asked the City Attorney if there is any disqualification for the business receiving the funding due to criminal history and the attorney stated that he was not aware of any that would disqualify the business. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve A Resolution Approving A Forgivable Loan Agreement From TIF #3 To Roger D. Campbell For Façade Improvements At 302 S. Poplar.
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 discussed the requirements for the Illinois Safe Routes to School Program – Cycle 2023 through the Illinois Department of Transportation. City Manager Smith stated that the grant being applied for is $250,000. The project being applied for is to construct approximately 1,700 feet of ADA compliant sidewalk extending from Jordan Elementary School to Edgebrook Lane. The project under the grant is the first phase of a larger project in which the City will construct ADA compliant sidewalks linking the Northeast section of the City’s residential area along Country Club Road to existing sidewalks which will ultimately connect Jordan School, Centralia Junior High, and Centralia High School. He stated that the City plans on pursuing a larger grant, also through IDOT, in 2024 to complete this project. This portion of the project is estimated to cost $597,390. If the City receives the full grant funding of $250,000, the remaining $347,390 will be paid through motor fuel tax funds, TIF funds, and other restricted resources available to the City. He noted that this is a very exciting project and has involved a lot of cooperation with the local school districts. He described the connection it would make for the schools and how great it would be to connect all three schools and give our children a safe means to ride their bikes or walk to school from that area. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution In Support Of Participation In The Illinois Safe Routes To School Grant Program – Cycle 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.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke stated that the City Wide Clean Up will be the week of October 2nd. Residents should place their items at the curbs on their scheduled trash pickup day. She also reported that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday October 10th due to Columbus Day falling on that Monday.
City Clerk Enke announced the Veteran Resource Fair being sponsored by the Centralia Veterans Affairs Committee on October 28th from 9 am to 11 am at the Centralia American Legion. She noted the number of resources that will be available that day for Veterans and their families.
City Treasurer Agee stated that the City has received the 2nd distribution of property taxes that was approximately $510,000 for the levy and another $75,000 for the TIF. He stated that this amount is approximately 70% of the collection of the levy. He also reminded residents that the 2nd installment of Marion County property taxes are due this week.
City Manager Smith has submitted the IEPA application for the water treatment plant. He stated that with the scheduled repayment the City is considering the need of an additional 50 cent surcharge increase in the future depending on the loan schedule.
Council Member Castellari thanked the City Clerk for her assistance in organizing and planning the Veteran Affairs Resource Fair. He stated that he hopes Veterans take advantage of the event.
Council Member Allen invited everyone to attend the upcoming Celebrate Centralia event on October 7th. Council Member Allen recognized Gayla Harting for the most recent IHDA grant award to the City and noted that the City has been awarded $1,600,000 in grant funding since Gayla has worked for the City. Council Member Allen also reported that she recently attended the IML Conference which was very beneficial to her.
Mayor Kuder reminded residents that October 21st is the trunk or treat at Laura Leake park. He encouraged donations to the event as they provide candy, prizes and bicycles to those children attending. He noted that it is a great event for children in the community. Mayor Kuder also noted that the Youth Center has an upcoming groundbreaking planned at their facility for their new addition.
Gayla Harting also reported that the Youth Commission will have their event in Fairview Park on October 1st, and she invited everyone to attend.
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 6:23 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/09-_September_25_2023_1.pdf
Alerts Sign-up