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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-06 Mechanical Committee Meeting Minutes MECHANICAL COMMITTEE MEETING th 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 th Police Report. Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz talked about between August 18 th 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. 1 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 2 Mechanical Committee 10-24-06 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 th 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. 3 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! 4 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 5 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. 6 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 7 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 8