South Central Reporter

City of Litchfield City Council met Feb. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Steven Dougherty called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Present on roll call were Alderperson Jacob Fleming, Sara Zumwalt, Robbin Huffman, Dwayne Gerl, Marilyn Sisson and Ray Kellenberger. Kassidy Paine and Josh Hughes were absent. The Mayor declared that a quorum was present.

Mayor’s Report: None.

Discussion:

City Administrator Breann Vazquez updated City Council on utility bill mailing. She explained that the issues began when the Litchfield Post Office was informed they were required to send the mail to the St. Louis, Missouri office. Vazquez detailed how the bills are taken to Litchfield Post Office then sent from Litchfield to St. Louis then back again before being delivered. Vazquez asserted that this had nothing to do with the local post office, who has helped the city throughout the process. The United States Postal Service has advised the city to implement a bar code system to help expedite the process. Vazquez explained that the bills will continue to be sent to St. Louis, however we were told they will be scanned instead of hand sorted and this will accelerate the procedure. Alderman Fleming asked if there was a web portal or any other way citizens could view their utility bills. Vazquez replied that customers may sign up online to have their utility bills emailed to them. She added that the city also offers direct pay so that citizens may have their payments deducted directly from their bank accounts without having to wait for their bill to come in the mail.

Other Business:

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl, to accept the minutes from the February 6, 2025, regular meeting.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine, Hughes.

Motion carried.

Alderperson Gerl made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Huffman to direct the transfer of funds from the city sales tax to the City’s general fund to issue checks and authorize to pay the bills and process payroll.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine, Hughes.

Motion carried.

Old Business: None

New Business:

Finance:

The City issued requests for proposals for annual audit services. Upon reviewing submitted proposals from five firms the City Administrator and Financial Consultant made a final selection based on the following criteria: 1) Evaluation of the firm’s qualifications, experience and available resources to determine that all mandatory criteria outlined in the proposal requirements section of the RFP were met. 2) Evaluation of the firm’s personnel qualifications, experience and expertise. 3) Performance appraisals from past and existing municipal clients. 4) Ability of the firm to complete the audit within six (6) months of the close of the City’s fiscal year. 5) Cost of the services proposed.

Alderperson Zumwalt made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl to approve a Resolution accepting a proposal from Sikich for audit services for fiscal years 2025-2027, with the option to renew for fiscal years 2028 and 2029.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine, Hughes.

Motion carried.

Administration:

A Resolution accepting a proposal from a recently issued request for benefits plan brokerage and consulting services. Benefits plan brokerage includes employee health, dental, vision and life insurance. After reviewing all reports, the Insurance Committee recommended accepting a proposal from Assured Partners.

Alderperson Huffman made a motion seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt to approve a Resolution accepting a proposal from Assured Partners for Benefits Plan Brokerage and Consulting Services.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine, Hughes.

Motion carried.

Economic Development:

Short Furniture plans to replace the awning on their eight storefronts. They will also repaint the fronts and remove the faux front above 315-319 N. State Street. There may be a need for window replacement and additional repairs. The façade program allows up to $10,000 per storefront to be reimbursed. The grant is for 50% of improvements capped at $14,939.92. Funds are available in TIF 1.

Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion seconded by Alderperson Zumwalt to approve a Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a façade improvement grant agreement with Short WW LLC at 319 N. State Street and other action related thereto.

The Mayor directed a roll call vote.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine, Hughes.

Motion carried.

Lake:

Lake Superintendent Heather Bell addressed the City Council explaining that many parks and campgrounds have hosts that help with some of the duties that were maintained by recently retired Wes Hicks. Campground hosts would provide people with information about the area and would be a friendly face to interact with guests. The supervisor position would handle some of the same duties but would be year-round, helping during the off season. Neither position is paid. The hosts would be seasonal and would receive an RV spot with a two-month rotation of those interested. Bell said that this would save the City roughly $18000.

Alderperson Huffman made a motion seconded by Alderperson Kellenberger to approve a Resolution creating a Campground Host and Campground Host Supervisor for the Lake Lou Yaeger Recreation Area.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine, Hughes.

Motion carried.

Lake:

The Lake Superintendent explained that Cindy Jarman took over cleaning and maintaining the bathrooms at the lake. She is a hard worker, and Heather Bell has received many compliments about her work. The supervisor position would allow Jarmon to stay in the FEMA trailer that is currently at the campground. Jarman would continue to be paid for cleaning and maintaining the comfort stations and year-round duties such as splitting and stacking firewood.

Alderperson Huffman made a motion seconded by Alderperson Kellenberger to approve a Resolution approving a lease for Cindy Jarman, camp Host Supervisor, for a city-owned campground trailer.

Aye: Zumwalt, Huffman, Fleming, Gerl, Sisson, Kellenberger.

Nay: None.

Absent: Paine, Hughes.

Motion carried.

The Mayor recognized attendees from Litchfield High School’s Community Service Class observing the City Council meeting. Student Zaiden Steinbach explained the group would be working on an informational video on the Litchfield City Council. Mayor Dougherty thanked them for attending and encouraged them to stay interested after they received As on their project.

Having no further business, Alderperson Kellenberger made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Gerl to adjourn the regular meeting of the Litchfield City Council. The Mayor called for a voice vote, motion carried, and the regular meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

https://www.cityoflitchfieldil.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02202025-376