South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met March 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday March 24, 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, Councill Member Jackson, and Council Member Allen

Absent: None

Staff Members Present: Andrew Thomson, City Attorney; Galen Mahle, City Manager; Jeremy Henderson, Finance Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Chief Jeff Day, Fire Department; 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

A Proclamation For Gary Gaetti Day in conjunction with the opening day of baseball was presented to GSA Sports Academy.

A Proclamation For Child Abuse Prevention & Sexual Assault Awareness Month was presented to S.A.F.E. Mayor Kuder and the City Council recognized the retirement of Firefighter John D. Cavaletto.

CONSENT AGENDA

A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve Items 1-6 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The March 10, 2025 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 2,415,260.77

3. Receive And Place On File The Treasurer’s Report As Of January 31, 2025

4. An Ordinance Approving The Use Of Laura Leake Park And The Temporary Closure Of Various City Streets For The Juneteenth Celebration On June 14, 2025

5. A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure of Various City Streets for the Locust Street Historical Fair on May 3, 2025

6. Approval of Request to Use Fairview Park by City Hope Church For A Community Event on April 19, 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.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

None

ORDINANCES

Mayor Kuder explained that the liquor license was relinquished at this location previously by the previous owner and the new owner is requesting an increase in the number of licenses to allow for the approval at this location once again as they prepare to reopen. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Amendment To Increase The Number of Class A Liquor Licenses.

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

Nays: None

Abstain: Council Member Jackson

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

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Mahle stated that the owners of RE: Purpose Development LLC who have recently acquired the property located at 111 N. Oak is requesting façade improvement funds from TIF #3 for façade improvements. The improvements related to the façade loan and improvements include the purchase and installation of an awning, paint, windows, exterior repairs, doors and exterior lighting of the business known as Centralia House. The work will enhance the building’s appearance and replace deteriorating material. The improvements will help draw patrons to their business and improve the overall appearance of this business located in downtown Centralia. A Motion was made by Council Member Castellari and seconded by Council Member Allen to Approve A Resolution Approving a Forgivable Loan Agreement from TIF #3 to RE: Purpose Development for Façade Improvements at 111 N. Oak.

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

Nays: None

Abstain: Council Member Jackson

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

City Manager Mahle reported that the SCADA automation update project will be utilizing the 2025 budgeted funds to replace the outdated SCADA system. He provided details that the proposed system upgrade involves replacing the current control panel in the Blower Building with a new one that will control the blowers and keep the pressure steady. The new system will also manage 6 new aeration basin valves. In the Blower Building, a new control panel will be installed with a touchscreen and wireless communication to connect with the control building. A new pressure transmitter will also be added to monitor the pressure in the system. At the control building, a new computer with software will be set up for consistent monitoring, along with dialer software to handle alarms. Wireless communication will connect the SCADA system to the blower building. The new dialer system will handle more alarms and can notify staff via phone line or cell phone. The quote that was provided includes more specific details concerning the project, the equipment, engineering and warranty service. The quote includes an estimate not to exceed $128,183 and $150,000 has been budgeted for this project and is available within the WWTP budget. The Mayor stated that this was a very specialized piece of equipment for the wastewater treatment plant and Jeff Schwartz discussed the savings that are expected in electricity from monitoring systems. A Motion was made by Council Member Jackson and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Process And Accepting A Proposal And Approving An Agreement With Electric Controls Company, Inc. For The Update To The Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) System For The Waste Water Treatment Plant.

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 Mahle noted that following the approval of the agreement with Gonzalez Companies LLC for engineering services on Orchard Drive East at the February 24, 2025 meeting, this resolution approves the IDOT Resolution under the Illinois Highway Code to specify the use of MFT funds for the previously approved agreement in the amount of $65,000.00. A Motion was made by Council Member Fontanez and seconded by Council Member Castellari to Approve A Resolution For Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code Approving The Use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds For Roadway Improvements To Portions of Orchard Drive East In The Amount of $65,000.00.

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 Mahle reviewed the consulting agreement with Good Energy that the City has had since 2012. He explained that Good Energy is a consulting firm who assists with municipal aggregation by monitoring rates and coordinates the solicitation of bids for energy supply. He stated that per the terms of the agreement with Homefield Energy, who most recently was awarded the energy supply contract with the lowest bid, the City’s rate will expire at the end of May. For Good Energy to provide the best possible service and for our City to be included in the next bidding cycle with other communities, a resolution for authorization to bid is necessary. The representatives were present from Good Energy to discuss the increase in demand and the cost of electricity that has fluctuated over the years and the reliability data. Philip Carr and Dan Steck from Good Energy reported that they are attempting to lock in a 2 year rate. They explained that there is no guarantee of cost savings with the current market, but they will do their best to protect the community if they are able to with a 2-year contract. Mr. Stack discussed the assistance and information provided to residents that want to opt in or out and their commitment to keep it simple and easy. Mayor Kuder asked about the process to opt in and out and they explained that mailers would be sent to all residents. Council Member Allen asked that as much education as possible be provided to the residents and they explained that in addition to the mailers with information, a direct phone number to call to discuss the program and get more information would also be provided. Council Member Fontanez and Mayor Kuder asked about the availability of nuclear power and the operation of coal plants affecting the electricity supply. Council Member Allen asked about the benefit of being in groups or smaller groups for the process. Mr. Carr discussed the suppliers and the pricing benefits of smaller groups if the capacity may not be available. Also, the opt out option for residents and the resident’s choice to also initiate the process of opting back in later was discussed. A Motion was made by Council Member Allen and seconded by Council Member Fontanez to Approve A Resolution Authorizing Execution Of A Service Agreement With The Lowest Responsible Bidder For The Supply Of Electricity For Residential And Small Commercial Retail Customers Who Do Not Opt Out Of Such A 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 Mahle reported that registration was completed on Saturday, with 151 registrations for summer recreation. He reported that some of the age could have two teams while others have some openings. It was noted that practices are expected to begin in mid-April with games expected in May.

Council Member Castellari noted that this is the last meeting before the election and encouraged residents to vote.

Mayor Kuder shared correspondence sent to him from IDOT recognizing the traffic safety enforcement detail and Officer Jader’s work during a recent safety campaign.

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 6:39 p.m. .

https://www.cityofcentralia.org/media/7576