South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Jan. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday January 13, 2025, 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; and Council Member Allen Absent: Council Member Jackson

Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Chief Christopher Locke, Police Department; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Chief Jeff Day, Fire Department; Bill Agee, Treasurer; and Kim Enke, Acting 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

Mayor Kuder and the City Council recognized Kimberly Abbott and Kent Niermann for their years of service. Kent Niermann was in attendance to accept his plaque.

Steve Coleman addressed the City Council regarding the recent storm and some concerns with snow removal. He also discussed the closing of some businesses.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 16, 2024 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 19, 2024 Special Meeting

3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 1,483,778.97

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

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

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

Mayor Kuder explained that this proposed bid and purchase would be for the Public Works Department to proceed with the collection of yard waste. Clerk Enke noted that the budgeted amount was $15,000 and the bid proposed for acceptance is below that estimated amount. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Bid From Crumps Auto & Trailer Sales For The Purchase of A Utility Dump Bed Trailer In The Amount of $12,805.00.

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

Nays: None

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

ORDINANCES

None

RESOLUTIONS

Mayor Kuder discussed the purchase of vehicles on the agenda noting the cost compared to the budgeted amounts. He also noted that one more vehicle is intended to be purchased in FY 2025. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Gowen Wholesale Auto For Two Public Works Vehicles In The Total Amount Of $35,800.00.

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

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Crump’s Auto & Trailer Sales For Two Public Works Vehicles In The Total Amount Of $45,500.00.

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

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

Rob Wielt from AGE discussed the electric service rates for the City of Centralia and the proposed recommendation of a 24 month contract at .0721. He stated that an increase is anticipated in June and felt confident about the savings that the City would have with the lower contracted rate. Council Member Castellari requested explanation of service and Mr. Wielt stated that service continues to be Ameren’s responsibility.

A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Allowing For The Procurement Of A Retail Electric Supplier And Authorizing The Execution Of An Agreement Between The Supplier And City Of Centralia For Municipal Electricity Usage.

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

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

Council Member Castellari questioned the requirement of a single audit and Finance Director Henderson explained that it was due to federal expenditures including COVID funding and the single audit required additional testing based on the use of federal funds. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing The Acceptance Of An Engagement Letter From C.J. Schlosser & Company, L.L.C. For Auditing Services For The Fiscal Year 2024.

Ayes: Council Member Castellari, Council Member Fontanez, Council Member Allen, 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 reported that Galen Mahle would be sworn in on Thursday January 16th at 3:30 as City Manager and invited everyone to attend.

Council Member Fontanez thanked Public Works for the work during the storm. He also thanked those involved with All Hours of Love at 801 N Poplar for a warm and safe place for individuals to stay.

Mayor Kuder congratulated the CHS cheerleaders on the recent 2nd place in the cheer competitions. He also congratulated the Orphans for their current season record.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m.

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/7201