South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Dec. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, December 4, 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; William Smith, City Manager; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; 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 requesting that the City provide funding for the construction of a pool in the budget, and he also discussed the need for more recreation. He stated that he is aware that the taxes need to be raised to meet the needs for the operation of the City and asked that the taxes be raised higher similar to what other taxing bodies are doing.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The November 27, 2023 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The November 29, 2023 Work Session

3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 682,460.29

4. An Ordinance Waiving The Application Of Section 20-125(B)(2) Of The Centralia Municipal Code And Approving A Request By The Salem High School Bass Fishing Team To Use Raccoon Lake on April 7, 2024

5. An Ordinance Waiving The Payment Of Demolition Permit Fees For Calendar Year 2024 

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

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

City Manager Smith stated that this Ordinance allows for the levy and collection of taxes for the year 2023 payable in 2024 to defray the budgeted corporate expenses within various funds for the City of Centralia as specified within the ordinance. He noted that this levy includes a 4.95% increase from last year. A Motion was made by Council Member

Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve An Ordinance For The Levy And Collection Of Taxes For Corporate Purposes For The Fiscal year Beginning January 1, 2023.

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

Nays: Council Member Castellari

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

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Smith stated that that the budget and levy had been reviewed previously at the work session and also at the public hearing prior to the meeting. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve A Resolution Adopting An Operating Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024.

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 it is recommended to continue providing this for the employees. As last year the bonus will be provided in the form of a bonus on pay checks. A bonus of $100 for current full-time employees and $50 for part time employees and a letter of appreciation from the City Council and the City Manager will be included with the payments. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving A Holiday Bonus For All Employees.

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.

The City Manager explained the projected MFT revenue to provide for the oil and chipping of an estimated 8.06 miles with the estimated cost of work being $157,042.00. He stated that the resolution will allowup to $160,000.00 to be spent out of MFT funds. Jeff Schwartz added that almost 14 miles were done in the past at the same cost noting the increase in costs. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve A Resolution For Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code and Approval of Estimate of Maintenance Costs for the 2024 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Street Maintenance Program.

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 the City website was last redesigned in 2012. While the information on it has been updated, the format, features, and the ADA compliance have become outdated. He noted that quotes were received from several design companies and many websites across the country to compare the designs and features available to find the most economical with the most features. The initial fee in 2024 will be $7,447.18 and the contract is an annual contract with cancellation available with a 60-day notice. Continuation of the contract will also allow for a redesign every 48 months. The recurring service in year two would be $8,466.05. CivicPlus offered the most features and services that will integrate with the online bill payment system that is in process and the existing municipal code that Municode/CivicPlus also already maintains for the City online. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving A Contract With CivicPlus For Website Design, Implementation, And Maintenance.

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

City Clerk Enke stated that the budget and levy documents would be recorded with the counties later this week and the next meeting will be held on December 28th.

Council Member Castellari stated that he was disappointed with the projected decrease in revenue within the budget.

Council Member Fontanez thanked the City Manager and staff for their work on the budget while discussing the levy and the inflation that has occurred with effects on the increased costs. He stated that they have the responsibility for the operation of the city and to take care of the residents. He noted the importance of using the revenue for the water supply rather than a pool. He referenced the past attempt to increase sales tax by 1% which failed. He stated that without that revenue, the levy must be increased. He stated that the decisions that he is making are for the future generations and he is proud of the work being done.

Council Member Allen stated that she doesn’t want to tax the residents to the point that they leave the city. She stated that she understands that the college and other taxing bodies are raising taxes, but she explained that she prefers the small raise in taxes as needed instead. She explained that she feels that the pool is luxury, and the necessities need to be taken care of such as the water treatment plant before getting a pool. She stated that once the water plant is complete, she will be in support of spending funds on a pool.

Council Member Jackson thanked those that worked on the preparation of the budget.

Mayor Kuder recognized the success and attendance at the downtown Christmas stroll. He also congratulated the Orphans on their recent win against Mt. Vernon and their winning record. He thanked those involved in the budget preparation and discussed the importance of the focus and making the water treatment plant a priority. He stated that the past administration has delayed addressing the problem and now the administration is doing what they can to address the problem.

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, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:24 p.m.

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