South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met March 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, March 25, 2024, 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; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Chief Jeff Day, Fire Department; Derek Sherman, Economic Development 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

Service awards recognizing Community Development Director Gayla Harting for 10 Years Of Service And Animal Shelter Office Manager Kimberly S. Abbott For 20 Years Of Service were presented by the Mayor and City Council.

A Proclamation for Gary Gaetti Day was presented to Gary Gaetti from the Gaetti Sports Academy.

A Proclamation for Abuse And Sexual Assault Awareness Month was presented to SAFE and the Marion County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition. Mel Kelly and Jessica Palazzolo were in attendance to accept the proclamation.

Vernell Burris addressed the City Council remembering the No.5 Coal Mine Disaster that occurred 77 years ago on this day.

Jennifer Stilt addressed the City Council regarding her concern of stray cats and animals being ran over in traffic in front of her home and her concerns of speeding on the roadway.

CONSENT AGENDA

A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve Items 1-5 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The March 11, 2024 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,019,960.55

3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of February 29, 2024

4. Approval Of Request By The Marion County Child Abuse Prevention Group To Place Decorations Upon City Owned Property For Awareness of Abuse and Assault

5. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure Of Howard St. For A Family Event On March 29th

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

Representatives from Good Energy provided information regarding Electric Aggregation for the City of Centralia. They discussed the pending aggregation renewal with a thirty-community buying group that expires on December 31, 2024. It was explained that the electricity rate is in a low in the market and discussed the expected jump the following year. He stated that they want to lock in a low rate while it is at this low. He stated that Homefield is back in the market and expects them to be at a low rate. Council Member Allen questioned the competition and the rates of Ameren. Mr. Carr stated that he is confident that a new agreement would be less than Ameren. Mayor Kuder clarified that it would be an 18-month contract and discussed the options for the residents to opt in or opt out. Council Member Castellari clarified if it was for residential or commercial service and it was stated that was for residential only. Council Member Fontanez clarified the ability to opt back in after residents have opted out during a certain time period. Council Member Castellari also questioned the marketing and information to be provided to residents. Council Member Fontanez discussed capacity issues that are being seen in the Midwest and possibilities of nuclear power changing the market in the near future. Council Member Allen addressed the availability of enrollment.

BIDS

None

ORDINANCES

City Clerk Enke stated that each of the properties on the agenda for approval of sale were the highest bids that were received and opened at the last meeting.

Mayor Kuder stated that the bid amount submitted for 1011 Hester was $2,600.00. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By the City and Authorizing Said Sale – 1011 Hester.

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.

Mayor Kuder stated that the bid amount submitted for 129 N. Maple was $2,750.00. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By the City and Authorizing Said Sale – 129 N. Maple.

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.

Mayor Kuder stated that the bid amount submitted for 135 N. Maple was $2,750.00. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By the City and Authorizing Said Sale – 135 N. Maple.

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.

Mayor Kuder stated that the bid amount submitted for 127 S. Locust was $4,750.00. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By the City and Authorizing Said Sale – 127 S. Locust.

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.

Mayor Kuder stated that the bid amount submitted for Dunbar Ln. Lot 7, 9th Addition was $101,000.00. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By the City and Authorizing Said Sale – Dunbar Ln. Lot 7, 9th Addition.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Jackson and Mayor Kuder Nays: None

Abstain: Council Member Allen

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

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Smith explained that the proposed agreement with Gonzalez is an engineering agreement for the annual inspection of the Centralia Lake and Raccoon Lake Dams. The Engineer will perform an inspection, prepare a report and submit the report to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources along with photos as required by the IDNR. He noted that the agreement includes a fee of $2,000.00 for each inspection for a total of $4,000.00 plus other services and fees as necessary to complete the inspections. The funds for the inspections come from the Water Plant Department Professional Services FY24 budget. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving Agreements With Gonzalez Companies, LLC. To Perform Annual Dam Inspections.

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 reported that the project as bid and approved at the February 12th meeting for construction of the water main replacement along Cahill Drive requires that the City provide the necessary pipe to complete the project and to be installed by the contractor. The City received the quote from Utility Pipe Sales in the total amount of $11,901.39 to fulfill the contract requirements of the project with the contractor. A Motion was made by Council Member

Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Utility Pipe Sales For Pipe Supplies In Conjunction With The Cahill Water Main Replacement Project In The Amount Of $11,901.39.

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 explained that in 2022 the City began to have ventilation issues and recognized the need for the replacement of the fan for the lift station. He stated that this part was attempted to be ordered in 2022 but due to the lack of suppliers, this item was not available until this time. He added that this particular model has limited suppliers, and the specifications are specific for the use at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The life of the fan is expected to be 20 years. The installation will be completed by the City staff. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From H.C. Sharp Company, Inc. For The Purchase Of A Vent Fan For the Wastewater Treatment Plant In The Amount Of $15,155.00.

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 provided the history that the City of Centralia has with Enterprise Fleet Management to replace some of its aging fleet which began in 2021 with a master open end lease agreement. He explained that the Public Works Department and Fire Department have utilized this program in the past and are satisfied with the cost savings and service benefits such as a more consistent annual budget, improved safety, lower fuel costs, and lower maintenance and repair costs. He noted that the Police Department has received a quote for 2023 Ford Police Interceptors, one white and one black, with the capitalized price of each vehicle being $54,067.00. The lease monthly payment would be $1,062.81 for each vehicle with the replacement of the vehicle estimated at 4 years. He also noted that the City continues to take different approaches with the purchase of vehicles depending on the funds available and the use of the vehicle. He added that they will be using the tow impound fund for the leases and it is a cost savings to replace the aging fleet with 6 of the 13 vehicles replaced. Chief Locke stated that the price includes the equipment to be installed in each of the vehicles as well. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing The Lease Of Two Additional Vehicles From Enterprise FM Trust And Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc For Two Police Utility Vehicles.

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 reminded the City Council that the City of Centralia owns various property around Lake Centralia that includes various lease sites. He stated that this resolution will grant the ability to demolish the structures on this particular property on Lake Centralia. This property was previously leased but had defaulted on the lease agreement in 2016. He stated that the intention is to demolish the structures on the property owned by the City prior to the bids being accepted in future. He explained that this property was previously declared surplus without bids being received. It was determined that the lack of interest was the result of the condition of the structures on the property and the cost for a potential lessee to remove the structure or rehabilitate it. He reported that the City staff intends to demolish the property in the next two weeks and at a later date the City will then require further approval to declare it surplus and pursue the lease of the property. The City will continue to own the property. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Directing Demolition Of City Property Located On Lake Centralia Lease Site C-6 – 2340 Wabash Lane.

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

Mayor Kuder stated that this surplus property was tabled at the last meeting due the attendance not being a super majority of the City Council. City Manager Smith stated that this proposed surplus property located between 4th St. and the CN railroad, west of Locust St. It is a vacant unimproved lot. Identified as parcel number 14-18-100-022. The value of the property is determined by an Illinois Licensed Appraiser at $45,000.00. He stated that this resolution will be published for 30 days by the City Manager. Following the required publication time period, any recommendations will be submitted to the City Council for final approval accompanied by a sales contract. Council Member Alen asked if this property was fenced in and the City Manager stated that it was not. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The Sale Of Surplus Property.

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

None

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez 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 6:48 p.m. .

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