South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Dec. 28.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, December 28, 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; Council Member Fontanez; and Council Member Allen Absent: Mayor Kuder

Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; William Smith, City Manager; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Chief Jeff Day, Fire 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 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 addressed the City Council regarding the need for a pool and the availability of funds for it. He also questioned if the proposed increased surcharge was enough to pay for the water treatment facility.

Steve Coleman addressed the City Council regarding closure of businesses and the current economic conditions.

Police Officer Sergeant Trent A. Timmons was recognized for 10 Years of service.

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 December 4, 2023 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 4, 2023 Public Hearing

3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,718,678.61

4. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of November 30, 2023

5. Approval of Request to Allow Use of Lake Centralia by the Hollywood Heights Bass Club for a Tournament on April 14, 2024

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

Nays: None

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

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

The pool committee represented by Amanda Marshall presented their recommendation and findings of the committee. Ms. Marshall discussed the surveys and the research and planning that was conducted by the committee. She stated that it was the recommendation of the committee to halt any pool construction until further financial resources are available for the City. She stated that while the majority of those that submitted surveys wanted to the $9.2M pool, the results showed that residents didn’t want to raise property or sales taxes to pay for it. She discussed the results of the survey from the residents and discussed the Salem pool and Mt. Vernon pool; noting that they are not profiting, She also reported that the Carlye pool construction plans have recently halted and there is no construction at this time due to it not being feasible at this time. She stated that the survey resulted in the public stating that they do not want an increase in taxes and even with a $600,000 grant, that amount of funding would not put a dent in a $9M facility. She stated that it was also considered to construct a splash pad and with that there would be a projected $30,000 loss in the first year. She stated that a simple pool similar to New Baden were considered but not recommended since residents have the option to visit the outdoor pools of the nearby communities of Salem and Mt. Vernon. Jennifer Price, also a member of the Pool Committee, expressed how Derek Sherman has done a great job with the committee and commended him and the group for their work and the great ideas during the process. Council Member Fontanez inquired about the number of responses and compared that to the number of residents. Derek Sherman reported that there were over 700 responses combined with online responses and paper submissions from the community with Centralia having approximately 12,000 residents.

BIDS

None

ORDINANCES

City Manager Smtih explained that The City of Centralia began using the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U Midwest Region Consumer Price Index Class B/C annually each January to calculate the increases of water and sewer rates as applicable. He stated that the water and sewer rates are increasing as of January 1st with the increase reflecting the most recent CPI rate released. The ordinance will reflect the rate effective January 1st with an increase reflecting a 2.90% increase. In 2022 the increase was 7.7% and in 2023 the increase was 6.9%. These funds are collected and used for the operation of the plant, improvements, and debt service. He noted that this ordinance will also reflect an increase in the water filtration plant replacement surcharge rate that is charged to each customer per 1,000 gallons. Currently the rates are $0.50 for inside the city limits and $0.75 for outside the city limits. These funds are collected and earmarked specifically for the replacement of the water plant. The rate in 2024 will be $1.00 per 1,000 gallon inside the city limits and $1.25 per 1,000 gallon outside the city limits. In 2025 the rate will be $1.25 and $1.50 respectively. He also provided an example of the effects of the increase for individuals, families and companies. Council Member Castellari confirmed that the funds for the surcharge would be earmarked for construction of the water treatment plant. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Increase In The Annual Water And Sewer Rates And Surcharge Fees.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smith explained that the last personnel policy manual was approved in 2009 and is being revised due to recommendations from auditors as well as liability insurance attorneys. The revisions within the policy update the policies as to not conflict with state labor laws and statutes concerning, sick leave, maternity leave, nursing mothers, sexual harassment, and the Paid Leave For All Workers. This update also provides some of the similar benefits to non-union employees that members of the collective bargaining agreements already receive. He stated that there would be an ongoing effort to update it each year from here on out with current labor laws and to make sure each employee has access to a current policy. Council Member Fontanez stated that it was a thorough policy and thanked the City Manager for completing this task. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve An Ordinance Adopting A Personnel Manual And Rescinding All Prior Ordinance In Conflict Thereto.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

The City Manager explained that the next ordinance is to be implemented with the Centralia Personnel Policy to accommodate the Paid Leave for All Workers Act as recommended by the Illinois Municipal League. This ordinance will allow the City’s Personnel Policy to conform with the new state statutes that are due to take effect on January 1, 2024. The City will adopt this ordinance along with its current paid leave policy for all City employees as set forth in the current Collective Bargaining Agreements and the City’s Employee Handbook that has also be updated at this meeting and effective prior to January 1st. He stated that many communities have also passed this ordinance, A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Regarding The Illinois Paid Leave For All Workers Act For The City Of Centralia.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Smith explained that each year IDOT’s Division of Aeronautics requires all general aviation airports that wish to receive federal funds to approve a 5 year plan and identify local funds to those projects specified in the first year in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Centralia’s TIP includes a list of projects planned for 2025-2029 and a detailed description and cost breakdown of each project. He noted that Centralia’s TIP is a capital budget plan that is developed through a consensus between the City Staff and consulting engineering firm Crawford, Murphy and Tilly along with the Illinois Department of Aeronautics. He explained that the capital projects in the Airport’s TIP are funded by using a local share of 5% with Federal and State funds. In 2024 the estimate is $65,000.00 and in 2025 the estimate is $345,000.00. These projects consist of easement acquisitions, obstruction removals, and runway rehabilitations that qualify for funding. There was discussion of the project for the restroom facilities that is separate from the TIP that is in the process of being bid at this time. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving The Submission Of The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) To The Illinois Department Of Transportation Division Of Aeronautics For Airport Improvements At The Centralia Municipal Airport For Fiscal Years 2025-2029.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

The Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) resolution was presented for the funds implemented to maintain our oil and chip streets. Certain oil & chip roads are designated for rehabilitation and resealing or just resealing each year. Approval of this request for council action will grant approval to execute the agreement with Gonzalez Companies, LLC. to complete the engineering. This company has provided this annual service in the past. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement with Gonzalez Companies, LLC. to Perform Preliminary Engineering and Engineering Inspection Services for the 2024 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Street Maintenance Program.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smith explained the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System resolution to approve the agreement known as M.A.B.A.S. The last agreement was approved by the City in 2003 and then an addendum was approved in 2014. Recently a new master agreement in 2022 was updated with new legislation incorporated. He stated that mutual aid agreements are used in many departments for added necessary coverage in the time of need. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing An Intergovernmental Agreement For Participation In The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

The resolution approving the contract with Placer Labs was reviewed by the City Manager. He explained that Placer Labs, Inc. provides civic solutions through Placer.ai that are best-in-class location analytics to help civic leaders boost performance, increase visibility, and drive economic success. Placer.ai is the leader in privacy-preserving location intelligence; Placer.ai is the most advanced location analytics platform describing physical locations, the people and businesses that interact with them, and the markets they inhabit. City staff intends to utilize Placer.ai Solutions for the following categories: Retail Recruitment, Event Analysis, Travel & Tourism, Marketing & Reports, Business Attraction & Workforce Analysis, and to Support Local Business. There are multiple goals that could be achieved through city staff’s utilization of Placer.ai, but the primary goal for FY 2024 is to utilize Placer.ai to aid in retail recruitment and business attraction to the city of Centralia. Council Member Castellari stated that it is important to do and will be important to utilize it in the best way once the city has it for the best outcome. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving A Contract With Placer Labs, Inc. For Professional Services, Data Collection, and Data Analysis.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smith stated that as reported previously, the Gragg St. roadway project that was funded by various funding sources has been completed. He reported that to pay the final IDOT invoices it has been recommended by IDOT and the project’s engineering firm to provide a supplemental resolution to IDOT in accordance with the joint funding agreements for the payment of invoices with MFT funds. This will make the best use of the funding provided for the project. Following DECO funding reimbursement, $390,000 of the $470,000 will be returned to the MFT pool. This was a large project that began in 2020 which included easement acquisitions, pavement reclamation, aggregate base, HMA binder, HMA surface, aggregate shoulders, ditch grading, pipe culverts, entrance reconstruction, tree removal, seeding, pavement marking, and more. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution For Improvement Under The Illinois Highway Code For Gragg St. Improvements.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and Mayor Pro Tem Jackson

Nays: None

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

City Manager Smith reported that the City of Centralia approved a development agreement with Blue Fish 44, LLC on January 9, 2023. He explained that the agreement stipulated a reimbursement of tax increment financing eligible expenses via a property tax rebate on development generated increment up to $1,000,000.00. Taxes paid in 2023, with a tax rate of 9.341860% totals $2,848.34 for TIF #5. The total increment generated for this development was $1,927.23. The 80 % distribution on increment generated totals $1,541.86 for property taxes paid. He reported that this distribution is based upon the tax information for parcel 15-14-13-201-021 received from the supervisor of assessments. The timeframe for TIF eligible reimbursements is for the life of the TIF at 80%. He further explained that the sales tax rebate is .6% of the 1% sales tax collected and received by the City of the retail price of goods sold by Blue Fish 44, LLC or any other subsidiary company derived from this development business which are taxable. The timeframe for the rebate is until January 1, 2027. He noted that this is the 1st distribution under the development agreement for a total distribution of $6,578.27. Mayor Pro Tem Jackson clarified that Blue Fish 44 LLC is Scooters Coffee. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving The Disbursement Of Funding Per Development Agreement From The Tax Increment Finance District #5 (Northwest TIF) To Blue Fish 44, LLC In The Amount Of $6,578.27.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, and 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 noted that due to the New Years holiday the City offices will be closed, and the trash collection will be delayed by one day.

City Manager Smith thanked Amanda Marshall and the pool committee for their work and efforts. He wished everyone a safe and happy New Year.

Council Member Castellari thanked the pool committee for their work and for the progress planned at the airport which is a great asset. He discussed the progress being made and the benefit of the use of marketing data collection to attract businesses and also the need for rate increases to fund a new water treatment plant to benefit the residents and businesses of the community.

Council Member Fontanez thanked the pool committee for their work and effort as well. He discussed the needed rate increase for the water plant and the future of the city. He thanked everyone for a great year and the work of the department heads and City employees stating that he is looking forward to 2024.

Council Member Allen thanked the pool committee for their hard work and dedication. She stated that as an additional suggestion for those wanting to access the Mt. Vernon and Salem pools, South Central Transit has routes that will transport residents to those communities for a small fee as an option. She stated that she does want the City to have a pool, but many factors have to be considered. She explained that the City has to have priorities set for success that will allow for more growth and amenities for the residents and visitors in the future. She wished everyone a happy New Year.

Mayor Pro Tem Jackson thanked the pool committee for the large task and their effort to gather data and information to make their recommendation. He wished the Orphans good luck during the holiday tournament and everyone a happy New Year.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Council Member Allen to Adjourn The Meeting.

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

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

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