South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met June 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday June 24, 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 Theresa Flagg led the prayer.

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mike Morris from the Centralia Recycling Center addressed the City Council expressing his appreciation of the funding received for Keep Centralia Beautiful in the budget. He discussed the recent acquisition of the building that they operate out of and their continued success.

Calvin Lawson addressed Council requesting that they consider enforcing the use of Orbeez guns in the City by adopting an ordinance that will allow the police to charge those shooting at others and allowing the guns to be confiscated. He discussed the recent use of these guns by the children in the area and what actions other communities have taken.

Jennifer Stilt addressed the City Council regarding speeding on the roadways requesting more enforcement near her home on Elm St. noting that animals have been hit on the roadway. She also reported her recent pleasant experience reporting an issue with a section of sidewalk near her home that is need of repair that she is expecting to be repaired by the City.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The June 10, 2024 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $1,738,369.03

3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of May 31, 2024

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 August 11, 2024

5. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for the Centralia Summer Market on July 20, 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.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

City Manager Smith stated that the City had solicited for bids on a pavement marking project as budgeted in 2024. He explained that the City had budgeted for this project, but the lowest bid was approximately $30,000 more than the estimated cost. Following the proposed rejection of the bid, he stated that it is recommended that there be a change of scope of the project to reduce the cost. The bid opening was held on June 5, 2024. There were two bids received in the amount of $79,826.88 and $110,005.79. He added that they will look to amend scope or phase the project out to bid. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Reject the Bids Received for Pavement Marking with the lowest bid amount of $79,826.88.

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.

ORDINANCES

Mayor Kuder explained that Fairways Restaurant’s new operators have applied for a liquor license to keep the business operating due to the recent closure by the previous operator. He stated that the proposed changes to the municipal code are to update the number available and allow for approval. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Increase In The Number of Class A Liquor Licenses And A Decrease of the Class E Liquor Licenses.

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 at a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on June 20, 2024, the Planning and Zoning Administrator for the City of Centralia presented an amendment for the modification of the Official Zoning Map and the Rezoning of Certain Property from B-3 (Highway/Arterial Business District) to I-2 (Industrial District). After research and input from the P&Z commissioners it was determined that this amendment needs to be made and will reflect the present and future developments in this area. Since that reasoning exists, the change of the zoning map will preserve the development of this property. The Planning and Zoning Commissioners voted to Pass this amendment.

Council Member Fontanez questioned what it is that the business would be doing at this location. Russ Goodiel stated that it would the combination of two existing businesses that operate at other locations currently with the addition of wholesale and retail propane sales, A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Official Zoning Map And Rezoning Certain Property From B3 - (Highway/Arterial Business District) To I-2 (Industrial District) – Located At 325 Walnut Hill Rd.

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.

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Smith explained that this School Resource Officer agreement being proposed reinforces the continued commitment and support of both institutions. He reviewed the changes to this agreement from the 2020 contract which includes a reduction in the cost paid by the school, reducing the cost from $11,441.55 per month to $9,465.54 after evaluation of the current costs incurred. This will be a 4-year contract with a notice period to allow for a 2-year termination by either party. He added that this program has been beneficial for the community, City of Centralia, and School. It has already been approved by the school district. Council Member Fontanez asked if Officer Hinkel would be returning, and Lt. Whritenour stated that he had been promoted and Officer Jansen would be moved into that position after he completes the SRO training. Council Member Castellari questioned why the cost was reduced and City Manager Smith explained that the base pay, pension, and cost were factored in and less than anticipated. Mayor Kuder noted there is one also a separate SRO for the High School. City Manager Smith noted that the contract with the high school had been sent to the school district and is awaiting review. Council Member Allen confirmed that each district has their own officers. Council Member Fontanez stated that it has been great having an officer in the schools. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve A Resolution Approving An Intergovernmental Agreement Between The City Of Centralia And Centralia City School District #135 To Continue A School Resource (SRO) 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 this resolution is a requirement for the Intermediary Relending Program application to which the City is reapplying. Originally, the City had applied for $1,000,000, but due to federal budget cutbacks the City will now be applying for $500,000. He explained that the City will pay this sum 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 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 explained that the intention is to give the City an additional means of spurring economic development. He added that when speaking with developers this program has been looked upon very favorably and we anticipate it will be an appealing program for many years to come. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari 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, and Mayor Kuder

Nays: None

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

OTHER BUSINESS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

City Manager Smith discussed the rising summer temperatures and the need to check on loved ones and take precautions during the high heat.

Council Member Fontanez also reminded residents of their ability to use the Library as a cooling center.

Council Member Allen recognized the planters that have been filled with plants in front of City Hall and how it improves the appearance.

Council Member Jackson wished everyone a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.

Mayor Kuder thanked those that organized the Juneteenth Celebration and recognized the number of people that attended this successful event. He also reminded residents of the Summer Market event that is scheduled in July noting that there are a large number of vendors that are taking part in the event.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made 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 6:23 p.m. .

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