HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-06 Mechanical Committee Meeting Minutes
MECHANICAL COMMITTEE MEETING
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50 North 4 Avenue, City of Canton
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 – 6:30 p.m.
Those in attendance:
Aldermen Joe Berardi, Jim Hartford, Kevin Meade,
Les Carl, Eric Schenck, Rick Reed. Aldermen Absent: Craig West, Larry
Sarff. Those Aldermen whose names are underlined are the committee
chairmen.
Others in attendance:
Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy
Whites, City Treasurer Kathy Luker, Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz, Acting Fire
Chief Dick Groves, Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water
Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt, Street & Garbage Supt. George Spahn, Zoning
Officer Clark Wilson, Mayor Secretary Carol Kohler, Joe Ginger video
services. In the audience was Daily Ledger John Froehling, WBYS Mark
Bixler, Candidate for Alderman in Ward One Jason Strandberg, and George
Hall, Gilbert & Norma Wheeler, Journal Star Brenda Rothert, Firefighter Jay
Smith.
Public Safety & Traffic
Alderman Eric Schenck, Chairman
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Police Report.
Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz talked about between August 18
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and September 4 the Canton Police Department participated in the Labor
Day Alcohol Mobilization funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of
Transportation. During that period the police department conducted
saturation patrols resulting in five (5) arrests for Driving Under the
Influence, two (2) drug arrests and two (2) citations for Illegal
Transportation of Alcohol.
On September 26, 2006 the Canton Police Department, through a grant
awarded by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, conducted the first of
three rounds of compliance checks on all tobacco retailers in the city. A
total of twenty-eight (28) retailers were inspected and (5) were found to be
in violation of the law by selling tobacco to a minor. The City of Canton
had an 82% compliance rate during these Tobacco Compliance Checks,
which exceeds the State’s goal of 80%.
Police Chief Jeff Fritz said he created a new section in his monthly report
called
Department Highlights.
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Mechancial Committee 10-24-06
Due to Lieutenant Zimmerman using his accumulated benefit time, he is on
leave from the Department until his retirement date. Therefore, the Fire and
Police Commission has temporarily appointed Sergeant Dan Taylor to
Lieutenant and Officer Gerald Foreman to Sergeant, with permanent
promotions to those ranks becoming effective on November 12, 2006.
On September 29, 2006 I had the pleasure of issuing Letters of
Commendation to Sergeant Wayne D. Taylor and Officer Ryan Demott.
Sergeant Taylor was commended for his outstanding performance on July 4,
2006 in which he seized approximately 2 grams of Cocaine and
approximately 83.5 grams of Cannabis during a traffic stop. He
subsequently arrested the driver and passenger, charging them with Felony
counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful
Possession of Cannabis with intent to Deliver 30-500 grams and Unlawful
Possession of Cannabis 30-500 grams. Also, he seized $224.00 of U.S.
Currency and the vehicle.
Officer Ryan Demott was commended for his outstanding performance on
September 7, 2006, while off duty, for observing a drug transaction in
progress and notifying on-duty police personnel. As a result of the
investigation, approximately ½ gram of suspected Cocaine was recovered
and two suspects were arrested and charged with Felony counts of Unlawful
Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver and Unlawful
Possession of a Controlled Substance. In addition, $529,000 U.S. Currency
and vehicle were seized.
Future Events Scheduled:
During the month of November the Canton Police Department will initiate a
Speed Enforcement Program. The purpose of this program is to reduce the
incidence of speeding related motor vehicle crashes, and the resulting
injuries and fatalities, through highly visible increased enforcement at high
accident locations. This is a year long program and will be funded by a
$10,366.50 grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
On November 8 2006 the Canton Police Department is hosting a meeting for
the Liquor License Establishments. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss
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preventing underage and over consumption drinking violations by
emphasizing community-based programs, policies and joint ventures
between the Police Department, the City and the establishments. Attending
this meeting will be the mayor, as the local liquor control commissioner,
Alderman Schenck, the Chief of Police and the City Attorney.
Alderman Carl said he noticed in the Animal Control Report there seems to
be a lot of complaints and very few tickets written. Alderman Carl then
asked the chief if he was concerned about this? Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz
said the animal control officer may have to site more to cut down on the
complaints.
Fire Report.
Acting Fire Chief Dick Grove mentioned there was nothing
to highlight in the report, but would answer any questions. Questions were
not asked.
Public Safety Auxiliary Officer Program.
Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz
commented that on October 13 the Illinois Law Enforcement training center
sent a letter to the police chief regarding Auxiliary Police Officers. On June
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30 the training standard is being changed. Auxiliary officers that are
conserver of peace powers by our ordinance, they have to attend the
minimum 400 hours basic academy all officers have to attend. The Illinois
Municipal Code says they are not regular members of the police department,
so there is no reimbursement from the state to the city. We have to send in a
copy of our ordinance so they can review, and the training board to see
whether we meet the conditions or not. Our ordinance does state they have
conserver of peace powers right now. Which means they would have to
attend the 400 hour course. The way we can get around that is to amend our
ordinance, that they do not have these peace power. They can still carry a
gun and training is 40 hours minimum, an this is not an issue. Have
discussed with City Attorney Chrissie Peterson and the ordinance will be
amended to make the change they don’t have peace power.
Alderman Berardi gave a report on Roko the Canine Drug Officer will have
surgery Thursday or Friday this week, with the cost being $2,200.00. The
Roko Fund raiser netted $5,600 at this date. A new Canine Drug Officer
cost would be between $7,000 and $8,000.
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Mechanical Committee 10-24-06
Alderman Schenck thanked Alderman Berardi for having done an excellent
job getting the ball rolling on this.
Alderman Meade said we need to be looking at purchasing another dog.
Police Chief Roko said the vet told them the dog should be retired. We could
use the fund raising funds and also the forfeiture fund monies to pay for
another dog.
Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz mentioned that the department has applied for a
grant from State Farm Insurance Company in the amount of $7,500 for a
canine.
Alderman Berardi said he agrees with Alderman Meade. Lets just do it and
now.
Alderman Carl said we have to approve the amended budget first.
City Treasurer Kathy Luker said we have already used the funds and we
have a zero budget in the canine fund. If you want to reactivate the account
it has to be budgeted.
Alderman Berardi said we need to work out the details.
The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Streets & Garbage
Alderman Rick Reed, Chairman
Communications from the mayor.
Alderman Reed had just a short time
as he will be leaving on October 31. Has been pleasure working with
Alderman Reed. Latest accomplishments was he helped with getting the IH
whistle going again. Did quite a bit at the Lake when he was chairman of
Building & Grounds. Alderman Reed is the kind of person you have a job
rather pleasant or not so pleasant, he says, sure, glad to do it!
Mayor Heinze than read a plaque he was giving him. The plaque
reads…”thanking you for your service, as alderman of ward 4.”
Alderman Reed than commented…I want to thank my wife for her love and
support that helped me reach the goals as alderman of ward 4. I appreciate
her very much. And to thank City Clerk Nancy Whites as she got me started
with my petition 4 years ago. And I appreciate her hard work and dedication
that she has done for the city in the past 30 years, and that’s accomplishment
in its self! Thank you, Nancy!
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Mechanical Committee 10-24-06
The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds
Alderman Joe Berardi, Chairman
Alderman Berardi wished Alderman Reed good luck!
Alderman Carl said he took a tour around the lake area and was impressed
with the lake and grounds, with the exception of the rock garden in the new
boat dock area, which is full of weeds. Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Greg Pollitt said he would look into getting that taken care of.
The Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Public Works, Water & Sewer
Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman
Jones Park.
Alderman Hartford reported that a meeting was held with the
Spoon River Drive representative Norma Wheeler, Mayor Heinze, Carol
Kohler, Gilbert Wheeler, and Nancy Mackey took the minutes. They
discussed the use of Jones Park for Spoon River Drive and showed pictures
Carol Kohler took before and after the drive. We had a number of questions
we raised to Spoon River Drive representative. Alderman Hartford said he
was not against the use of Jones Park, but the flowers were messed up, and
so was the grass. Suggestions were to 1.) move out into the streets. Norma
said it would not work, poles have to been lifted up higher and then it would
be more susceptible to wind. 2.) The use of the Depot area. Same problem
not enough room. 3.) Another use is Big Creek Park. They are to respond
to this area later on in the meeting. Trash was a problem we discussed.
One tent was put up a week before and they will address this and also person
asleep in the tent as well.
Norma Wheeler said Andy Almasi was director of Chamber of Commerce
and they use to be over the Spoon River Drive in Canton and he called
Norma and told her it was hers as long as she wanted it. We were told not to
get on the flowers and grass. Older people respect flowers and would not
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Mechanical Committee 10-24-06
step on them. We cannot sit in the streets and cannot anchor the tents down.
Rain goes down the gutter and I will not let my people sit in the gutter when
Jones Park was given to us. I pick up the liter when I can. We have so
many free loaders, and we have had offers of help for next year. Norma said
she could not find the 220 electrical equipment at the Big Creek Park.
Alderman Schenck ask how much do we know about these vendors before
we approve them? Norma said she has a knack of picking good people, and
I don’t have any problems.
Alderman Schenck mentioned that he made a point to visit the drive on the
first Saturday. I was delighted that I could buy a samurai sword from one of
the vendors. I figured that was quite in the spirit of the scenic drive, to buy a
samurai sword in downtown Canton. My issue is what is happening with
scenic drive in general is, its becoming commercialized place to sell any
wares you have to sell. We should be trying to get people to visit our down
town as part of the scenic drive. But not as having people selling samurai
swords. Not opposed to having centered in Canton, but not in downtown
Canton. What were missing out here is trying to be thoughtful and clever in
our marketing of Canton and particularly downtown area during the scenic
drive period. I don’t care how we market ourselves. We would be much
better off either cut completely out, or take it serious and try to do something
that’s in the spirit of the scenic drive that’s going to attract people to come to
this area. We want them to experience a very quaint, very charming small
town community.
Alderman Reed ask about the use of the festival grounds? Norma said she
did not check to see if it could be used as she knows that handicapped people
can’t use the grassy area.
Alderman Berardi said he agreed completely with Alderman Schenck. We
could have bands on Saturday sitting all over that park. It ought to be
expanded and Lafferty’s will bring in vintage tractors. The plastic dolls I’m
against, and outside vendors coming in with food. Use our own people for
the food. Need a country band down there one night at least, and close off
parking around the square.
Norma said the knife vendor sells to selective clientele.
Motion
and second by Alderman Hartford/Reed, to refer Jones Park to
council. Discussion. Alderman Berardi said he would like to refer this to
have an ad hoc committee and bring in Mark Rothert the SRPED chairman
and this needs more discussion. Motion and second agreed to withdrawn.
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Mechanical Committee 10-24-06
Motion
and second by Aldermen Berardi/Reed to establish ad hoc
committee to review the use of Jones Park for the Spoon River Drive
Association. Discussion. Alderman Berardi mentioned those serving on the
ad hoc committee would be Mayor Heinze, Carol Kohler, and Mark Rothert,
and report back to the Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee. Alderman
Reed suggested the use of Hotel/Motel funds to be discussed. Voice vote,
motion carried unanimously.
IMLRMA.
City Treasurer Kathy Luker commented that the contributions
for early payment by November 17, 2006 annual with 2% Discount
$382,918.34, or 51% of Annual Payment $195,288.35 and balance due by
June 15, 2007. The annual payment has to be paid by December 15, 2006 of
$390,733.00 or 51% of Annual Payment $199,273.83 with balance due by
June 15, 2007. Kathy wants to pay early again this year to save money. The
Budget allows this payment, and if we paid in full would throw off the
Budget. We will save $12,000 by paying early.
Motion
and second by Aldermen Schenck/Reed agree to make early
payment of $195,288.35, and refer to council for consideration. The motion
carried by voice vote and was unanimous.
Wells Fargo Charge Cards – City’s upaid balance.
City Clerk Nancy
Whites explained that a total of $1,058 is outstanding on the charge cards
and some since 2003 that was made by city employees. Nancy said she does
not have documentation of those bills that were incurred. She remarked that
council has to give the okay to pay those outstanding charges, and she would
like for the request to be sent to the next council meeting as she wants to pay
those bills before too long to so a zero balance can be shown.
Alderman Carl suggested reducing the amount of the credit cards.
Alderman Berardi said why not have centralized purchasing?
Alderman Meade mentioned that documentations has been given so we can
make a decision.
Motion
and second by Aldermen Reed/Hartford, send on to council.
Discussion. Alderman Schenck said we have to pay the bills, we have
receipts of every item that was purchase. Where I work if I don’t have the
receipt from a bill I made, I am accountable for that charge. Alderman
Berardi said this puts the city in embarrassment again as two people know
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Mechanical Committee 10-24-06
longer are associated with the city. The motion carried by voice vote and
was unanimous.
The City of Canton will begin the Leaf Pick-Up Program starting Monday,
October 3, 2006.
Please place the leaves at the end of the terrace where possible.
If your garbage pick-up day is:
Monday - October 30 – November 03
Tuesday - November 06 – November 10
Wednesday – November 13 – November 17
Thursday - November 20 – November 24
Friday - November 27 – December 01
Alderman Schenck showed a picture of the gateway signage for the four
entrances into the City of Canton that was done by SRPED Mark Rothert.
We need some kind of logo that promotes Canton. Also to be consistent
with that logo as we need to think about the community with a theme of who
we are! And have a plan to market ourselves that sets Canton apart.
Referred to the Community & Industrial Development Committee for next
month.
The Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE &
PERSONNEL, TO DISCUSS – NEGOTIATIONS.
The executive
session was cancelled.
Recording Secretary,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk
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