South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Dec. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday December 2, 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, Council Member Jackson

Absent: None

Staff Members Present: William Smith, City Manager; Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Lt. Trent Timmons, 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 Council Member Fontanez led the prayer.

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Frank Palazzolo addressed the City Council regarding a list of his concerns at his residence with explanation provided.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The November 25, 2024 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The November 25, 2024 Work Session

3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $651,288.89

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, Council Member Jackson, 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 each of the properties being considered for sale were approved for the solicitation of bids on October 15th. With the minimum bid was set at $2,500. Two bids were received and opened for this property at 1106 N. Maple at the Council Meeting on November 25, 2024. This ordinance approves the sale of the property based on the acceptance of the highest bid from Engineered Fluid, Inc. in the amount of $4,001.00. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez 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 – 1106 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.

City Manager Smith stated that one bid was received and opened for this property at the Council Meeting on November 25, 2024. This ordinance approves the sale of the property based on the acceptance of the highest bid from Dexter Johnson in the amount of $10,000.20. 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 – 1002 E. Rexford.

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 the ordinance presented allows for the levy and collection of taxes for the year 2024 payable in 2025 in order to defray the budgeted corporate expenses within various funds for the City of Centralia as specified within the ordinance and reflected in the budget presented. He stated that as it has been outlined in past meetings, the 2024 levy will remain the same as the prior year due to the City increasing the sales tax rate by one half of one percent. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Jackson to Approve An Ordinance for the Levy and Collection of Taxes for Corporate Purposes 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.

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Smith stated that this budget establishes the foundation for the City's financial planning for the upcoming year. The process began in September when Department Heads submitted their proposed capital improvements and expense requests to the City Manager. A budget review team, that also included the Finance Director and Clerk, then met with each Department Head over several sessions to finalize the budget. Beyond being a planning tool for resource allocation, this budget also serves as a communication tool, ensuring transparency in both revenue and spending. He explained that the primary goals of this budget are to foster economic development, reduce crime, enhance safety, provide recreation, and continue improving city streets, public properties, and services for both residents and business owners. He reported that a work session was held on November 25th and a public hearing is offered prior to the Council meeting to approve this budget. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Adopting an Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025.

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 in the past, employees were provided bonuses at the end of the year and it is recommended to continue this. As in previous years the bonus will be provided in the form of a bonus on their pay checks but continue to be taxed as their payroll. The 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 Castellari 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

City Manager Smith stated that the Village of Central City anticipates submitting a Community Development Block Grant Application for financial assistance for storm sewer and drainage improvements in the area between Charlotte and Bicknell Streets, from IL Rt. 51 to Knight Street, to address flooding and erosion issues affecting both municipalities. He stated that this is being done in an expedited fashion since the City was just noticed last week that Central City need this agreement for a grant being applied for this week. He stated that the grant if awarded would fund the storm sewer and drainage improvements project, which includes the installation of new storm sewer piping and manholes, the removal and replacement of existing culverts and inlets, the grading and shaping of ditches, and the placement of riprap and erosion control fabric. A portion of the ditch improvements south of the park and north of the cemetery is actually located upon property either owned by or within the corporate limits of the City of Centralia. The project will benefit both municipalities with no monetary cost to the City of Centralia. A draft intergovernmental agreement has been provided. Once finalized the City Manager will have the authority to execute the agreement if it appears to be in the best interest of the City of Centralia. Mayor Kuder confirmed the location of the improvements near the City’s properties. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Approving An Inter-Governmental Agreement Between The City Of Centralia And Village Of Central City In Conjunction With A CDBG Grant Application Being Submitted By The Village Of Central City For Storm Sewer And Drainage Improvements.

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

Council Member Allen thanked all of the staff and department heads that have created the budget and expressed her appreciation acknowledging that they make the best use of the taxpayer’s money.

Mayor Kuder congratulated the Centralia Orphans for their win at the Roxanna tournament that they have historically won the past 4 years. Mayor Kuder also reported that the Poplar Place community Thanksgiving that they have been holding for 20 years, served over 1200 meals this year. He thanked Council Member Jackson, the Poplar Place and all of the volunteers involved to make it happen.

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 6:19 p.m.

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/6921