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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-2020 Council MeetingCity of Canton Council Meeting The Donald Edwards Way (Historic Depot) Canton 11 61520 March 17, 2020 6:30PM A regular meeting of the Council meeting was held on March 17 2020 (6:30pm) in the Council Chambers, The Donald E. Edwards Way -50 North 4th Avenue, Canton, Illinois 61520. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Kent McDowell, Attorney Chris Jump, City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock, Treasurer Crystal Wilkinson, Public Safety Director Richard Fairburn, Utility Director Joe Carruthers MEDIA IN ATTENDANCE: Daily Ledger, Fulton. Democrat VIDEO SERVICES BY JOE GINGER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENED THE MEETING INVOCATION — Pastor David Meader PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Eric Arnold- who works out of Western Illinois University for the Illinois law enforcement and training and standards board was at the meeting to speak about the recent pandemic of the covid 19 and the states involvement with the emergency planning. One of the programs he is working with is the schools and campus safety program for the task force. One of the things that the Illinois task force did shortly after the tragedy in Florida was put together a school safety board. This group continues to meet and with the new occurring covid 19 situation, the task force was asked to continue to provide information as it pertains to the school and campus safety. What Canton is experiencing is very consistent across the state. They originally focused on anticipating the closures of the schools, and within less than a day that decision was made. Focus was placed on what type of information would be passed along to the schools and the community regarding covid 19. Conversation immediately began with the schools where they were pointed to the guidance documents. The guidance documents gave information about washing of hands, coughing in your arm etc. This information needs to continue to be spread out in various ways to raise public awareness. The term "flatten the bell curve" came into place. The Community does not want a situation where the infectious rate climbs above what the local hospital capacities are to treat, patients. The task force knew that if they invested in this message, they could make a difference. Closures of the schools brought the need for information about e -learning especially or grades K-12. The higher education has done online learning for many years. The schools have worked very hard to get the e -learning implemented. Another immediate need that was addressed after the closure of the schools was the need to continue to feed the children that will no longer be receiving lunch at school. The schools are making sure that meals are still provided to those students. It is important to remember that this situation with the covid 19 could actually go longer than some of the initial dates that were put out regarding how long the students would actually be out of school. As the situation rapidly evolves the schools are looking into what city/county emergency operations plans look like, and how the school district could be used as a resource. Many emergency plans include the schools for resources such as shelter. Many school districts are engaging their city and county emergency team managers to be proactive and understand what they could be asked to provide. Eric said he was on a conference call today with Director Richard Fairburn and with the Illinois State Police. The topic of discussion was on how to encourage.the enforcement of the emergency management agency's emergency act. The City just incorporated this and is included in the ordinance. After the Covid 19 was communicated, people were still meeting in large groups with concerts, parties, etc. that probably should not have happened. The agency is looking how to address the continued gathering of people as a law enforcement standpoint. Not only the emergency enforcement act, but the Illinois Department of Public Health act which runs together with the emergency enforcement act. It is due to these acts that local law enforcement can encourage businesses to comply and take action if they do not. Another topic of discussion during the conference call was regarding personal protective equipment. Eric explained that he has talked with local law enforcement officials throughout the state and as little as two weeks ago they started taking inventory of their personal protective equipment. The amount on hand may not be enough if they have to use it on a regular basis. Conversations with state officials and various agencies are currently taking place regarding the personal protective equipment. Local officials have the ability to have a very strong voice with state officials and public health officials regarding their need. Another topic of discussion was what the roles of the local, police, fire -and public works departments would be. Education is being performed with various departments on what steps to take as they continue to work. It is very important to communicate with the community what this involves- and to build public trust. There is a lot of work being done currently by the county emergency managers and city emergency managers. Many places are establishing emergency operation centers. Information can be provided to the community on the emergency plans. It is important to give information to the community in a healthy and safe way to ward of anxiety and fear. If this is not done social media will do it—which will not be the truth and accurate. Emergency operation centers are popping up across the state. These centers are being staffed in order to be very responsive in the event that anything would develop. It is not the time to stay in silos, but rather break out of the silos and meet on a regular basis. One of the things that is being dealt with right now is the compliance with emergency orders. A document regarding the Covid 19 related action that is dated March 16, 2020. This is referred to as the compliance directive. This gives detailed information about the Governor's executive order. Most people that will get the virus will not necessarily be that bad; however, we know that healthy people will carry the virus. If these people get together with those more at risk it could cause increased cases. Further discussion took place regarding the act and municipalities declaring a local state of emergency. If the declaration of a local state of emergency is made, this will then allow communities to act when needed. The inside dining at restaurants is what was wanting to be addressed to reduce the transmission of the virus with this act. Many businesses are able to offer curb side pickup for customers. The curb side pickup would reduce the amount of people gathering inside a building, but yet help the business stay open. School Superintendent Rolf Seversten was at the meeting and said that the school has good plans in place for e -learning for the students. The food delivery plan is also up and running for students to continue to receive food while the schools are closed. All school buildings are being disinfected and deep cleaned. The Governor has also sent a directive about waiving some portions of the open meetings act. The school is working with board members on how to meet remotely with the platform google hangout. All of these actions came about for the school district at a very rapid pace. Attorney Jump said the Governor did suspend the rules, but the tricky part is finding out how to keep the meetings open to the public during a time when face to face meetings are not being held during the covid 19 pandemic. Eric Arnold further explained that it is important to utilize the national incident management system. All police, fire and council should be making sure guidelines are followed as far as establishing incident command. Public Health will be a very big player. This will need to be setup now. This will help the city better effectively prepare and in making decisions pertaining to the covid 19 pandemic. It is also important that communication is taking place with the local healthcare providers. Many hospitals are currently aggressively assessing their capacity. Knowing what the capacity number is will allow the hospitals and the agencies to prepare accordingly. Discussion was also made regarding the testing for the Covid 19. As the testing becomes more available it will be important to know how this will look. It could involve local businesses that have been in the medical supply/industry that could setup for the ability to test citizens.'lt could possible be curbside testing- which would need resources to support such an event. Mayor McDowell said they City has been meeting with various agencies and department heads to go over procedures and discuss staffing needs. The city is currently in the process of disinfecting the various city buildings. The City began getting additional supplies for personal protective equipment a few weeks ago. Eric further said that it is important for the City to understand that anything that they can do will help save lives. When you look at some of the other countries with large death rates, their message to the rest has been to act immediately and to be proactive in preparing. Mayor McDowell said a meeting is scheduled tomorrow for the city to meet with other agencies at the health department. Eric said that many communities have planned and prepared for various disasters such as tornados and floods, but a pandemic is pretty low frequency and has not had as much attention previously. Eric further explained that while its very important to establish e -learning and food needs for students during the school closures, the department of health wants communities to plan for those things that may have not been considered before. Currently there is a lot of information being provided from the federal and state level regarding the pandemic; however, the more local communities can get involved and get the information to the citizens the better it is. Citizens tend to listen to local leaders that has a level of friendship and trust that's been built over the years. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA Mayor McDowell said that item # 3 and #7 on the legal and ordinance committee agenda will be tabled. Under the Lakes, Buildings and Grounds committee, item #1 will also be tabled. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD FEBRUARY 4.2020 BILL LIST DISBURSEMENT REPORT TREASURER'S REPORT COMPTROLLER'S REPORT POLICE REPORT FIRE REPORT PUBLIC WORKS REPORT Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ryan Mayhew/Nelson to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS: FINANCE ALDERMAN RYAN MAYHEW, CHAIRMAN DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON THE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC COST RESOLUTION #5230 George Hall was at the meeting representing Dacott Energy. A recommendation to approve the 24- month agreement with Homefield was made. The proposed bid would save the City money. Residents would be allowed to leave under the provisions of the agreement at any time, or for any reason without penalty. If the price would drop, the City could add 12 months. George Hall explained that since Dacott Energy began serving the citizens of Canton they have saved over $500,000.00 for the residents. The average savings over the terms of the proposed contract would be $260,000.00 for the two- year period. The price being offered is the lowest price for the citizens since 2006. George further explained that many companies make calls to citizens claiming that they can save them money on their electricity. George warned the residents that when they receive this call, they may be offer a lower rate, but it would only be for 3 months and then the price would drastically increase. George said that if residents receive phone calls from other companies claiming to be able to offer a lower rate, residents should ask them to send a copy of the contract so they can review it. The price proposed in the agreement with Dacott Energy will not increase because they are fixed prices for the two-year period. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ryan Mayhew/Quin Mayhew to accept the 24 - month bid from Homefield energy at a rate of 0.04349. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. LEGAL AND ORDINANCE - ALDERMAN CRAIG WEST, CHAIRMAN DISCUSS. CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE DECLARING SURPLUS REVENUE IN THE CANTON 1 DOWNTOWN 5T" AVENUE TIF DISTRICT SPECIAL ALLOCATION FUND AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENTS OF THAT SURPLUS REVENUE TO THE FULTON COUNTY TREASURER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO AFFECTED TAXING DISTRICTS ON A PRO RATA BASIS FOR TAX YEAR 2018 PAYABLE 2019. (2ND READING) ORDINANCE #4183 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Lovell/Ryan Mayhew to adopt the ordinance. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. DISCUSS. CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE DECLARING SURPLUS REVENUE IN THE CANTON 2 ROUTE 9/CHESTNUT STREET TIF DISTRICT SPECIAL TAX ALLOCATION FUND AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THAT SURPLUS REVENUE TO THE FULTON COUNTY TREASURER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO AFFECTED TAXING DISTRICTS ON A PRO RATA BASIS FOR THE TAX YEAR 2018 PAYABLE 2019. (2N' READING) ORDINANCE #4184 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Lovell/Quin Mayhew to adopt the ordinance. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan X Mayhew X The motion carried. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CLOSED MEETING MINUTES- APPROVED WITHOUT A RESOLUTION Attorney Jump explained that it is a requirement under the open meetings act that you review the closed session meetings minutes semi-annually. Mayor- McDowell said he would recommend that we vote to maintain the confidentiality of the closed session minutes this time and then in six months the council could review the minutes again and make a determination at that time. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Lovell/Nelson to approve the closed meeting minutes. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION WHETHER (1) THE NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY STILL EXISTS AS TO ALL OR PART OF THE CLOSED MEETING MINUTES OR (2) THAT THE CLOSED MEETING MINUTES OR PORTION THEREOF NO LONGER REQUIRE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION Attorney lump said that the council could table this item if they feel they need to review the minutes further to make the determination. Attorney Jump said he reviewed the minutes with the City Clerk and they made their recommendation on which closed session minutes should remain confidential or not. This item will be tabled until the next meeting to allow more time for the aldermen to review the recommendations. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE LEASE OF MUNICIPALLY. OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 24818 OLD BEACH WITH MARGARET A SEDGWICK RENNER TRUST (1' READING) ORDINANCE #4185 Attorney Jump said he has been working with the former city attorney that represents the Margaret A Sedgwick Renner Trust. Margaret currently has this home, but wants to move it into a trust. The lease is already paid to May. Upon the transfer of a lease an inspection is generally required. A recent inspection already took place, so the inspection report would need to be provided. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Nelson/Lovell to.waive the first reading of the ordinance. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Nelson/Lovell to place the ordinance upon its passage and not have to pay an additional amount for rent and no new septic inspection is required if proof of a past septic inspection is provided. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND MAURER STUTZ FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. RESOLUTION #5231 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Lovell/Nelson to approve the resolution approving an agreement between the City of Canton and Maurer Stutz for professional services. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL ALDERMAN JUSTIN NELSON, CHAIRMAN COMMUNITY & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ALDERMAN JOHN LOVELL, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC WORKS, WATER AND SEWER ALDERMAN ANGIE LINGENFELTER, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC ALDERWOMAN ANGELA HALE, CHAIRMAN STREETS AND GARBAGE ALDERMAN JEFF FRITZ, CHAIRMAN LAKE, BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS ALDERMAN QUIN MAYHEW, CHAIRMAN MAYOR COMMUNICATION 2020 CENSUS Citizens are encouraged to complete the 2020 census online, by phone or by mail. City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock explained that it is very important that everyone complete their census. The census is very easy to fill out and takes less than 5 minutes to do. PURCAHSE OF GARBAGE TOTES. Residents are encouraged to purchase garbage totes. While the City building is closed due to the Covid 19 pandemic residents can purchase totes online. It is a life safety issue for the City employees- especially during the pandemic. CITY SERVICES DURING PANDEMIC City services continue during this pandemic. Mayor McDowell said he is very proud of all of the employees for the work they are doing. All City buildings are closed to the public except the 911 center and police department. There will be access to the police department for emergencies. All of the other City buildings, include the water treatment plan, wastewater treatment plant, fire station, system maintenance are all closed. City employees that can show an Id card are allowed. Mayor McDowell said he spoke to the owner of the Majestic theater. The owner closed the theater on Sunday due to the pandemic. A notice was received from Paula Grigsby at the YMCA- which is also closed. According to the Governor's executive order #5 there will be no gatherings of over 50 people. The Harvester Inn will be closing on Thursday. Cook will also be closing their other facilities in French Lick Indiana. A meeting will take place tomorrow with the health department and other agencies. Mayor McDowell and Public Safety Director Richard Fairburn will also attend for the purpose of discussing Covid 19. Mayor McDowell said he feels the City is ahead of other communities in response to the pandemic. DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THE CITY OF CANTON Mayor McDowell said the City will not turn off water or sewer to any customer during this time. The City will not accept face to face payment at this time. Payments can be made online or at the drop box. The city stopped allowing Hy -Vee to accept water bill payments. The executive orders coming out of the state are very self- explanatory. The declaration of local state of emergency for the City of Canton is in addition to the state of emergency. OLD BUSINESS A finance meeting will be held Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 6:OOpm at the depot to review the budget. NEW BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT Motion and second were made by Alderman Nelson/Fritz to adjourn into executive session for: 51LCS 120/2 C1, C2 The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. City of Canton Reconvened Council Meeting The Donald Edwards Way (Historic Depot) Canton 11 61520 March 17, 2020 8:06PM ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Justin Nelson/Quin Mayhew to adjourn. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Mayor Kent McDowell City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock