South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Oct. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Tuesday, October 23, 2023, in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Jackson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jackson; Council Member Castellari; and Council Member Fontanez Absent: Mayor Kuder, Council Member Allen

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; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; and Kim Enke, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk

PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Pro Tem Jackson led the Pledge of Allegiance and Vernell Burris led the prayer.

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Vernell Burris shared the Veterans Affairs Resource Fair flyers with the City Council. He also addressed the City Council regarding the need for more lights, a loudspeaker, and more improvements at Laura Leake Park.

Marla Webster addressed the City Council regarding Elmwood Cemetery suggesting that the back of the Elmwood Cemetery be fenced in to reduce foot traffic following the vandalism. She explained where the vandalism was done and the access to that area. She also stated that this summer there was much improvement to the upkeep and mowing of the park but stated that recently more attention was needed.

CONSENT AGENDA

A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve Items 1 – 3 of the Consent Agenda.

Approval Of The Minutes Of The October 10, 2023 City Council Meeting

Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $876,864.82

Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of September 30, 2023

Ayes: Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez, Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Gayla Harting reported that the Youth Commission and Gaetti Sports Academy will once again be competing to collect the most canned foods for food drive through the month of November.

BIDS

City Manager Smith explained that The City has requested bids for the Sidewalk ramp improvements to meet current ADA standards and other miscellaneous work along sections of S. Sycamore, S. Pine, E. 7th, and E. 5th. He stated that this project was originally bid to include roadway resurfacing that only had one bid submitted and was much higher than the original estimated cost. The original bid was recommended to be denied and rebid with a change in scope to reduce the cost of the project and receive more competitive bids. He added that three bids were submitted with the revised bid for sidewalk improvements. One being from Samron Midwest Contracting, Inc in the amount of $298,298.00. The next bid was from Guinzy Construction, Inc. in the amount of $238,200.00. The lowest bid submitted was $193,682.00 from Shores Builders Inc., which is being recommended. He also noted that the lowest bid submitted is under the IDOT allocated amount. Council Member Castellari asked if this was also part of the recent grant discussed previously by the City Council and City Manager Smith explained that this section is a separate area. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Bid From Shores Builders Inc. For Sidewalk Improvements Along Portions of S. Sycamore and S. Pine in the Amount of $193,682.00.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez, Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

ORDINANCES

None

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Smith stated that The City of Centralia in connection with the Water Treatment Plant construction is interested in procurement of solar power system. Through Affordable Gas and Electric that has assisted the City in the past with electrical supply, Satori Enterprises is able to provide consulting services and services related to the procurement of solar systems or solar power purchase agreements. They will assist with a request for proposal process and secure the most favorable system or agreement that benefits the City of the Centralia. Their services will include consulting services including site assessments and preliminary PV array sizing/design. In addition to the development of specifications, preparation, and management of the request for proposal process, they will review proposals, prepare a summary, provide analysis, and recommend a solar proposal and contractor. They will assist in negotiating a contract with the Selected Provider and then work with them to assist in the submission of interconnection, permitting, and IL Adjustable Block Program applications. The cost of the consulting is based on DC nameplate capacity and will be paid by the selected provider and the commission fee shall not exceed 5% of the gross EPC cost of the solution proposed by the Selected Provider. The City is not obligated to pay any other fees or reimburse any expenses to Satori. The consultant will be providing errors and omissions insurance as well as general liability insurance. He added that they help provide solar for communities, water, and wastewater plants. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Allowing For The Procurement Of Solar Power System And Authorizing The Execution Of A Consulting Agreement With Satori Enterprises LLC.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez, Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smith explained that the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), has established and administers the Strong Communities Program (SCP) which provides grant funds to units of local government throughout the state to address local affordable housing needs and community revitalization efforts. He stated that as previously announced, the City of Centralia has been selected for the funding under the Strong Communities Program, Round 2 from the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Grant Funds totaling $357,000 can be used to acquire, demolish, and green blighted properties. Strong Communities Program will provide funds for the demolition in cases where properties are beyond repair and negatively impact neighboring residences. As a result, SCP has the potential to increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue, and attract further community investment. By enabling greater revitalization opportunities, SCP will help to preserve existing affordable housing stock that is often in city centers and in proximity to community amenities such as schools, parks, and shopping, and encourage further investment and revitalization. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve A Resolution Accepting A Grant From The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program – Round 2.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez, Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smtih stated that the Police Department budgeted the cost to replace the radios for the Police Department in FY 2023. Previously the City approved 30 portable radios for the officers in the department. This quote received is for the purchase of 13 mobile vehicle digital capable radios (Kenwood NX-5700). Specifically, Kenwood VHF Digital transceivers. These specific mobile unit radios are dual band (capable of analog and digital). This is a necessity for the department due to having geographical boundaries in four counties. Some of our neighboring jurisdictions are digital, going to digital or analog. This upgrades the mobile units to the same technology as the portable radios that were purchased earlier this year. The wattage and age of the technology with current radios has caused some issues with officers’ ability to communicate with dispatch and/or other officers. Council Member Castellari asked if this would improve communication and Chief Locke stated that some of the radios are up to 14 years old and it will allow them to communicate with all area entities. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Global Technical Systems, Inc. For Mobile Radios For The Police Department In The Amount Of $12,974.00.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez, Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smith stated that The City of Centralia approved an amended development agreement with Meadow Woods Holdings, LLC on August 22, 2022. He explained that the agreement stipulated an increased maximum property tax rebate up to $5,750,000.00. Tax Increment Taxes paid between 2020 and 2022, with a 2022 tax rate of 9.260480% totals $326,236.10 for TIF #6. The 80% distribution totals $260,988.88 for property taxes paid from tax years 2020- 2022. This distribution is based upon the tax information for parcel 14-09-000-069 and 14-09-000-068 received from the supervisor of assessments. He also noted that the sales tax rebate is .8% of the 1% sales tax collected and received by the City of the retail price of goods sold by Meadow Woods Holdings LLC or any other subsidiary company derived from this development business which are taxable. The timeframe for the rebate is for the life of the TIF or any further extensions. (current expected expiration 2031). The distribution totals $18,501.30 for sales tax. This distribution is based upon the sales tax information for 2020 - 2023 as received. He reported that the agreement also includes the developer receiving a rebate of 50% of the 2.5% of lodging taxes paid to the City. With the lodging portion of the development not complete and no payments being made to the City, there is not a rebate included in this disbursement at this time. That construction is estimated to occur in 2024. He explained that this is the 1st distribution under the development agreement for a total distribution of $279,490.18. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve A Resolution Approving the Disbursement of Funding per Development Agreement from the Tax Increment Finance District #6 (Raccoon Lake TIF) to Meadow Woods Holdings LLC in the Amount of $279,490.18.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez, Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

OTHER BUSINESS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

City Clerk Enke reminded residents that the Centralia Veterans Affairs Committee, Veteran Resource Fair is planned on October 28th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Centralia American Legion. She noted the service organizations that will be present and participating.

Council Member Fontanez commended all of the emergency services departments for their work during the past busy weeks. He encouraged everyone to enjoy themselves but also take safety precautions during the upcoming Halloween events that are planned.

Mayor Pro Tem Jackson announced the dates and times of the upcoming trick or treat, the fall festival events, and the planned Childrens and Halloween parades.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Adjourn The Meeting.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari; Council Member Fontanez, Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m.

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