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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-06 Mechanical Committee Meeting Minutes MECHANICAL COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday June 27, 2006 – 6:30 p.m. th 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois Those in attendance: Aldermen Joe Berardi, Jim Hartford, Larry Sarff, Kevin Meade, Les Carl, Eric Schenck, Rick Reed. Absent – Alderman Craig West. Others in attendance: Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Interim Police Chief William Doster, Fire Chief John Stanko, Maurer Stutz Inc. rep. Keith Plavec, Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt, Zoning Officer Clark Wilson, Street Supt. George Spahn, Sys Maintenance Supt. Bill Terry, Video Service by Joe Ginger. Others in audience were news media Journal Star Andrea Frampton, Daily Ledger John Froehling, Democrat Bill Mitchell, George Hall, Gilbert Wheeler. Public Safety & Traffic Alderman Eric Schenck, Chairman Police Report. Bill reported that the “off calls” have a pattern and are still occurring. Police Chief Bill Doster gave a map of the areas where thefts by location and burglaries occur. Under the Budget he mentioned that he shows they have used 11%, this is an error the amount should be 9%. There will be held on July 16 for 8 weeks a joint Fire/Police Academy. Applications can be picked up at the police department. th Fire Report. John Stanko reported that on May 8 and 9, they conducted live fire training at the Peoria Fire Department training tower. Each day, one-half of our personnel attended the training. This gives up the opportunity to conduct live fire training that we are unable to do locally. We certainly appreciate the cooperation of the Peoria Fire Department allowing us to use their burn tower at no charge for this training. Because of their cooperation, our fire fighters are able to receive regular live fire training to keep their skills sharp, resulting in a more effective and efficient fire department. 1 Probably the biggest event during May was our Insurance Services Office ndrdth (ISO) Public Protection inspection May 22, 23 and 26. This inspection is conducted every ten (10) years and is used by most insurance companies to set the insurance premiums for residential properties within the City of Canton. There are many aspects of an ISO inspection. Some of those include: alarm receiving and processing, dispatching, notification systems, communications, water supply, water distribution, water flow, fire apparatus, equipment, records, training, hose testing, ladder testing, pump testing, and manpower, just to name a few. In addition, actual flow testing is conducted against approximately twenty (20) target locations to determine the ability to meet the required fire flow for those occupancies. The inspector was very pleased with our preparation for the inspection. It is my hope that we will achieve a favorable ISO Public Protection Classification rating. We anticipate notification of our rating around November. John did say also that if there rating is down it helps the home owners on their fire insurance coverage. th Traffic Survey 7 and Grant Place. Sgt. Nichols conducted the survey on the overall intersection configuration and the location of the school bus stop. Sgt. Nicholas recommended a stop sign be placed at Grant Place th where it ‘t’s into 7 Avenue in his memo to the Police Chief. Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Hartford, to ask the city attorney to draft and ordinance to add the stop sign. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Traffic recommendations in the 800 Block of S. Main and 700 Block of South First Avenue. Lt. Richards gave a traffic recommendation regarding the 800 block of South Main Street and the 700 block of South First in his memo to the police chief. He has checked into the parking in the 800 block of South Main. There are signs that prohibit parking on the West side of Main in the 400 block, 500 block, 600 block and 700 block. There is not a sign in the 800 block, but another sign posted at the start of the 900 block. Lt. Richards recommended that another sign be posted between the 800 block and 900 block. Police Chief William Doster mentioned that a sign has been placed in the 800 block of S. Main. 2 In another memo Lt. Richards checked into the parking of 700 block of South First Avenue. At the current time there is parking on both sides of the street. The street measurers 30’ 1” in width. There is an ordinance in place allowing vehicles to park up to 12” inches away from the curb. When he checked the area there happened to be cars parked on both sides of the road directly across from each other. The distance between the two vehicles which was only 14 feet. Our current ordinance, section 9-5-4 (G) under parking, says that there needs to be at least 18 feet between vehicles. It appears that it would be appropriate to have no parking on one side of the street in this area. At the present time there is no ordinance in effect that limits any parking in the 700 block of South First. Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to have the city attorney draft an ordinance for a no parking zone on one side or the other of the street. Discussion. Alderman Schenck wanted it to be consistent with the preceding block. Alderman Meade mentioned that parking is allowed on the West side of the preceding block. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Update on Police Chief Selection. From William Doster the Police Chief in his memo he mentioned a total of forty-one resumes were received and reviewed by the Illinois Chief’s Association and the City of Canton. Nineteen resumes were selected to receive questionnaires and these thth questionnaires were mailed on June 16 with a due date of June 30. After the questionnaires are received, they will be reviewed by the City and the Chief’s Association. At that time, the top six candidates will be selected and invited to an assessment center to take place on July 8. The assessment center will be an all day process consisting of three or four exercises and take place at City Hall. City Council members are invited to attend the process, but should plan on remaining for the entire exercise they wish to view, so that they are able to observe all candidates in that particular exercise. There has been discussion about holding a reception or dinner for the th candidates on the evening of July 7 so that the City Council members could meet the candidates in an informal setting. There would be a cost associated with this reception, and I am asking the City Council for direction regarding holding this event. Alderman Schenck said having the reception is a good one and would like to provide those candidates from out of town to stay at Heritage Grand Room and the city take care of the cost. Alderman Schenck mentioned the 3 committee reviewed applications of large number of outstanding candidates. Feels the Chiefs Association is a good process for the City to use. Police Chief Bill Doster said he did a salary survey and the city is right in the ball game with the competitor, when asked by Alderman Berardi. Motion and second by Alderman Schenck/Hartford the City to host a th reception for the 6 candidates on Friday July 7 at the Elks Lodge, and free overnight lodging. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Vicious Dog Ordinance. Alderman Schenck said there was an incident with his dog that was attacked by another dog. And also a child was bitten in another incident the same day, and he has concerns for that child. Alderman Schenck said he met with the mayor, police chief, animal control officer and city attorney and came up with a draft of an ordinance. The ordinance will allow the animal control officer to write a citation when he encounters a vicious dog. And there would be an administrative appeal process. The recommendation we came up with we would be able to label a dog that is vicious. Police Chief William Doster said the ordinance needs to be redefined as it makes pit bulls illegal. Motion by Aldermen Schenck/Berardi, to have the city attorney continue the drafting process with assistance from the police chief and the final ordinance for first reading at the next council meeting. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Emergency Response Capabilities of Police Department. In a memo William Doster, Chief of Police reports that currently the Canton Police Department has minimum skills regarding emergency response issues. If we are to execute a search warrant, which requires dynamic entry, we now must use the Tactical Response Team (TRT) of the Illinois State Police. Our membership in the drug task force requires that we do so. TRT activation is a process which takes several hours to accomplish and because of this delay, we do not execute the number of drug related search warrants that we should. While the task force membership allows us to become involved in large-scale drug investigations, street level drugs are often overlooked because of a lack of manpower and the requirement to have TRT present during the execution of the search warrant. Street level drugs are the cause of significant neighborhood decline and because we lack the manpower to efficiently deal with this problem, many of our neighborhoods are 4 threatened. The number of crack cocaine instances in which the police department becomes involved surprised me. Drug dealers often follow the route of least resistance and we are beginning to see crack dealers from Peoria moving to the Canton area. As drug usage and dealings increase the quality of life in the neighborhood decreases. Our current manpower compliment does not allow us to deal with street level drugs effectively. POTENTIAL SOLUTION I will propose to the new chief that a two-prong approach be applied to the above named problems. First, a cadre of trained emergency response offices must be developed in the department to handle emergency responses and dynamic entry on search warrants. I have arranged for two trainers to begin the first phase of this training in early August to train a group of Canton officers in dynamic entry and room clearing in order to begin to develop a trained, effective team. This initial training will be at no cost to the City except for training overtime. Eventually other training will follow to allow the department to mount a proper emergency response. A second solution will be to develop a two person, street level drug suppression unit. This would be accomplished by hiring a fifteenth officer, which is currently allowed in the ordinance and converting the deputy chief position to a second street level officer. These officers would concentrate on street level drug cases and search warrants, and would be backed up by the trained entry team mentioned above. Officer Keith Grant, who is our current task force officer estimated that he was involved in seizing over $50,000 money plus several vehicles. I propose that we pay for the additional officers through the use of seized money and vehicles. I believe, and Officer Grant concurs, that a street level unit would generate a significant percent of its expenses through the asset forfeiture procedures within eighteen months of formation. While the added income will help offset the costs of the unit, it is very difficult to place a price on the safety of our neighborhoods. Police Chief William Doster said he would recommend the City consider two more officers. The current ordinance allocates 15. Alderman Berardi said adding manpower is always a problem. Alderman Berardi asked that if the animal control officer gets the complaints down is 5 there a possibility he could work ½ of the time as an officer and animal control? Police Chief Will Doster commented that you would have to make him a sworn officer. Alderman Schenck complimented William Doster the Interim Police Chief on the excellent job he has done on an interim status. Alderman Schenck mentioned that William Doster Police Chief is looking at the problems the department has in staffing, and is looking at making recommendations for our new chief. Purchase of two computers for Police Department. No discussion. Not on agenda. Alderman Schenck mentioned that the city attorney had information of local enforcement of DUI’s where the states attorney decided not to pursue a felony violation. Police Chief William Doster mentioned that the felony violation has been coupled with DUI and revelatory suspension for previous DUI. Alderman Schenck said that Alderman Carl had earlier talked about ordinances from Peoria of this nature and how the city can capture the penalties and fines. This information can be brought up later with the new chief Alderman Schenck said. Alderman Schenck said this issue he failed to add on the agenda. No parking on Avenue C in the 200 block from West to East. Alderman Carl said the police talked with the residents and the majority was in favor of changing the no parking from the West side to the East side. There are several apartments in the area and the residents are blocking the driveways. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said this would take an ordinance and she does not object to drafting the ordinance. The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 7:08 p.m. Streets & Garbage Alderman Rick Reed, Chairman Tamarack & Avenue B Stop Sign. Recommendation by memo from Police Chief William Doster. He recommends that the City Council consider a stop sign at Tamarack where it intersects at Avenue B. Avenue B appears to be the through street while Tamarack intersects it. 6 Motion and second by Aldermen Reed/Schenck, for city attorney to draft an ordinance to allow the stop sign. Discussion. Alderman Meade said it was a safety issue and could be a three way stop. Police Chief William Doster, said would have to be a three way stop here. Alderman Reed with drew his motion. (Did not hear on the tape Alderman Schenck with drew his second.) Motion and second by Aldermen Reed/Hartford, to have a three way stop at Tamarack, and for the city attorney to draft the ordinance. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Tree in front of Catholic Church on East Chestnut and Second Avenue. Motion and second by Aldermen Reed/Hartford, to allow removable of the tree and refer to council for their consideration. Discussion. Mayor Heinze said the tree blocks the light and the view. They have offered to take the tree down at their cost. Alderman Meade said it looks healthy why not move the tree somewhere else! Alderman Hartford suggested trimming the tree so it won’t block the light. Motion and second by Aldermen Reed/Hartford, to allow the tree to be cut down at the church’s cost. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. (The first motion and second was not withdrawn.) Trees on outer edge of sidewalks in the downtown area. Mayor Heinze said the problem we’re having when the trees die, the brick in there works up and out and becomes hazardous. When there is no tree in there the city is putting in rebar concrete to create a flat surface. Alderman Hartford suggested a new tree be planted. Alderman Berardi said he does not want any tree cut down. No action taken tonight. The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Lake, Buildings & Grounds Alderman Joe Berardi, Chairman Lake Dam Report. Keith Plavec from Maurer Stutz Inc. mentioned that their firm checks for voids every year. The last study that was done was in 1997 and CMT was hired at a cost of $6,000. In 1998 grouting and concrete repair was done. Was told the city never finished those improvements. We are now noticing hollow sounds in the spillway. In 2004 we added to the bonding ordinance funding of $150,000 for a spillway and dam study. Keith 7 wants to get the figures together so he can bring those cost to the next finance committee. Alderman Meade mentioned that if the cost are over $20,000 the City has to seek bids. Motion and second by Aldermen Berardi/Hartford, authorize up to $20,000 for the approval of radar inspection. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Engineering Study by CMT of Lake Report. Keith Plavec of Maurer Stutz Inc. commented that in 1995 the Lake Restoration Plan Study was completed. Memorial Day weekend review. Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt mentioned that the campground was full to capacity. Alderman Berardi mentioned to Alderman Reed the reason the Lake Pavilion was not on the agenda because in my ward people were standing in waste up to their ankles. Public Comments. Gilbert Wheeler of Canton mentioned that his wife heads up the Canton Spoon River Drive in Jones Park. The State Tourism brings in excess of $1 million dollars. The Spoon River Drive Association was notified by the mayor’s office they cannot sit up in Jones Park. We have used that park for the last 15 years and George Spahn has supplied the water lines an electricity. Now we hear the mayor has granted use of the park for 2006 but not 2007. Alderman Berardi asked the city attorney of what goes in there and who gives the power? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said you just approved a park custodian for the usage of the park. Gilbert Wheeler said his wife police’s who sets up in the park and what they sell, and we put no heavy trailers on the grass. We can not hold the tents down if we go to the streets. We also give the city a fee for cleaning up the park. The park was dedicated to the community and the city is the advisor. Thank you for your time. Alderman Hartford suggested using sand bags. To be discussed further at Alderman Meade’s Community & Industrial Development committee on July 11th. The Lake, Buildings & Grounds committee adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Public Works, Water & Sewer 8 Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman Review MFT funds expenditures. Keith Plavec from Maurer Stutz Inc. reported that MFT funds are going to be used in White Oaks alley, Greenwood Cemetery, a street next to Petersen Health Care, and Hickory Street from Main to West city limits. Berardi stated he did not want to spend $250,000 that Bill Kuhn arbitrarily decided he will spend for us on a tunnel we should not be a part of. Alderman Meade said we were to commit funds in order to get the grant. Bill Kuhn did not do this himself. Alderman Meade mentioned that the council seen that trail on the maps presented by Bill Kuhn, and that tunnel was in there. Evidently the goal is to do that whole loop. We committed conceptually. Alderman Schenck asked do we know if the $150,000 is in this year’s budget? Alderman Carl reported that a total of $30,000 was budgeted this year for the City’s portion to Greenway Trail for a 5 year plan. Alderman Schenck said we should invite the Park District and the County Board to have them come here and tell us what the grant outline is. We have thth had on the back burner a street project from 4 Avenue to 5 Avenue for a total of $40,000, and I would like to see this done with that $30,000. Keith Plavec from Maurer Stutz Inc. mentioned that with use of MFT the th City’s project for those funds are on July 11 and to include in regards to Greenway Trail Plan. Bill Kuhn was just here and spoke on what does the city want to consider with their portion? He asked if you wanted to invest in this or not and Keith believed it was a 80/20 split. Bill was looking for $90,000 that’s why he was seeking $30,000 from each entity. Clif O’Brien spoke earlier because E. Ash Street is an FAU route. When we went to do these improvements IDOT stated we had to do sidewalk improvements also. That is why East Ash Street was listed in the Greenway Trails Plan. Hopefully we could invest only $.20 cents on the dollar. Unfortunately the City did not get that portion. Part of the deal though was the city would update the sidewalks in that area. We need to fulfill our requirement to IDOT for at least that portion of East Ash. Mayor Henize mentioned that the park district was given the okay to be the lead in the grant funding on June 21, 2005 at the council meeting. The City had also agreed to give Greenway Trails Plan $150,000. Mayor Heinze added that Cliff also has several years planned using MFT funds. We need to decide what we want to do. 9 Alderman Berardi said don’t leave out Maurer Stutz Inc. that helped get that grant. Review Combined Sewer overflow plan. Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers mentioned that in a couple of weeks will TV sewers at Baxter th Court and 11 Avenue. Keith Plavec mentioned they will inspect 6,000 feet for cleaning and TV of the sewers. The plan is for detail action of combined sewer and sanitary sewer of 70,000 lineal feet at $12,000. Keith said we need to know the use of our sewers, what is the condition of our sewers? We need to sit aside funds to TV all the city’s sewers. 6” Trash Pump for WWTP.Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Berardi to allow the purchase of a 6” trash pump in the amount of $2,400. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Request $100,000 to comply with CSO & 1997 study and TV project/rehab of 1993, 1997 & 2006. Alderman Berardi wants to know what is being done? Keith Placev said that Joe Carruthers has asked me about this since I have known him. Keith further added that when we have thth the 5 or 6 CSO the EPA comes in and ask what is the plan? We want to eliminate CSO. What we have found so far is types of gook and etc., and also a big concern is the tree roots, and some pipes that have collapsed. Motion and second by Aldermen Berardi/Reed to use $100,000 from Contingency fund to continue TV program. Discussion. Alderman Carl recommended to refer Finance Committee. We need to look at reserves before we commit $100,000. Alderman Berardi said I wished you would have looked at that when we approved paying off the fire truck. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Public Comments. Alderman Berardi said no need for this. The Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Recording Secretary, Nancy Whites, City Clerk 10 11