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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-07 Mechanical Committee Meeting Minutes CORRECTED MINUTES OF THE CANTON CITY COUNCIL MECHANICAL COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, March 27, 2007 – 6:30 p.m. th Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, IL Aldermen in attendance. Joe Berardi, Jim Hartford, Craig West, Larry Sarff, Kevin Meade, Les Carl, Eric Schenck, Sonya Lewis. Absent: None. Others present. Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Kathy Luker, Interim City Attorney John McCarthy, Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz, Acting Fire Chief Dan Oaks, (Fire Chief John Stanko out of town.) Water Treatment Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, Joe Ginger Video Services. Those in the audience - SRPED Mark Rothert, Aldermen candidates for Ward One Angie Lingenfelter & Jason Strandberg, Tye Reed, George Hall, Craig Zilly, and news media of Mark Bixler from WBYS, John Froehling from Daily Ledger, Jenny Freeman from Journal Star. Public Safety & Traffic Alderman Eric Schenck, Chairman Police Report. The Canton Police Department has identified and obtained arrest warrants for Jason A. McGlothin, one of the suspects involved in the Armed Robbery of the Dollar General Store 134 E. Chestnut Street on December 16, 2006. One warrant is for the Armed Robbery and the other is for a Burglary and Theft that occurred at the Dollar Store between December 8 & 9, 2006. Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz said that Jason McGlothin was arrested in Creve Couer and we are looking for the second person involved. Jeffrey Fritz mentioned that some businesses are wanting to have fund raisers for the K-9 and we don’t have any money in the account since we paid for the new K-9. We have received $800 from one company. Alderman Schenck thought it would help with publicity and explain some of these things going on about receiving funding for the K-9. Police Annual Report. Jeff Fritz highlighted his report with the following: In 2006 the Canton Police Department had authorized strength of 23 officers and 9 civilian employees. The police department was busy this year, handling 13, 456 calls for service. The overall crime rate increased to about 27.8 reportable crimes per 1000 population compared to 26.6 crimes per 1000 population in 2005. Officers of the Canton Police Department arrested 1064 persons for Criminal and Ordinance offenses. 1 Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 Index Crime Offenses We experienced overall a 4.3% increase in the crime rate this past year. The most significant of these were the offenses of Robbery and Burglary. Regarding the Robbery offenses, although there is a 66.7% increase, there were only 2 more of these offenses in 2006, 14 more reported than in 2005. Patrol Division. Last year officers responded to 9,288 service calls. During the previous year officers responded to 7,817 such calls. This was an increase of 18.8%. Service calls are requests for police assistance not directly related to criminal activity. These calls often involve quality of life issues but generally do not require a written report. Fire Report. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Oaks sat in for Fire Chief John Stanko. Dan highlighted the report MABAS division also received a RAD57 Pulse CO-Oximeter at no cost. In addition to measuring a patient’s pulse and oxygen blood saturation levels, it will also measure the carbon monoxide blood level of the patient. This technology reduces the need for an invasive arterial blood draw with laboratory analysis to determine if a patient has been exposed to carbon monoxide. It can easily be used in the field for screening purposes. If a patient shows elevated levels of carbon monoxide, they can then be transported to a medical facility for proper medical care. Each meter cost approximately $3,000. Liquor Ordinance. Alderman Schenck reported that the ordinance has been discussed at two meetings with the license holders. The following amendments were made to the ordinance. 1. Adjust bartender fee to $50 including background check. 2.Allow special use permit for outdoor events on Fridays & Saturdays until midnight with music ending by 10:00 p.m. 3. Exempt existing licensed bartenders from BASSET training (training required for new bartender licensees or during changes in employment). 4. New license provisions allowing for diminutive consumption of alcohol during “tasting” events conducted package stores. 5. New license provisions for diminutive sales of bottled alcohol during 2 “tasting” events conducted by restaurants. Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 Alderman Schenck recommended the draft amendment for the ordinance. Mayor Heinze stated that on March 16, the amendments were already added and one of the amendments was the Fire Code Inspection violations that could be brought forward under the Liquor Commission. Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Hartford, forward the amendments to council. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 7:08 p.m. Streets & Garbage Alderman Sonya Lewis, Chairman Enhanced Entrance - Blessings 74 North Main Street. Alderman Lewis ask Mark Rothert to talk about this. Mark said Shirley Franzoni, the owner/operator of Blessings Primitives on the square, is requesting permission from the City of Canton to utilize the sidewalk area in front of her store to erect metal fencing as conceptually depicted in the attached picture. The fencing would be 3 feet tall, coming 6.8 feet out from the building and spanning 26 feet across the building with a 6 feet wide arch opening in the center. Shirley Franzoni’s goal is to enhance the entryway of her business and believes the traditional hoop and spear design fits well with the historic architecture of the downtown. The color of the fence will remain a rustic color to fit with the antiques and primitives décor in her store. The fencing however will be coated with a clear sealant to stop any rust from bleeding or from getting on clothing when patrons are brushing up against it. The area inside of the fencing will be decorated seasonally. This improvement is part of a larger enhancement that Shirley Franzoni is planning to undertake. She also wishes to simplify the entryway by removing window lettering and signage on the existing awning. In its place, a storyboard will be placed on the archway listing her business and the products she sells, as well as identification of the other businesses at that building location (Atlas Photography and possibly the martial arts studio.) 3 Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 I would recommend approval of Shirley Franzoni’s request as it is another example of a downtown business owner trying to enhance their business while also helping to make the downtown a unique place for the community. A similar sidewalk request was grant last year to Lee Puleo at neighboring Café Europe to erect a metal railing to enhance the entrance to his business. Alderman Shenck said this is a good idea inviting the Partnership providing some streetscaping plan. Hope other business owners will be encourage to do something also. Alderman Meade wanted to know about the liability issue? Acting city attorney John McCarthy said we could ask for a certificate of insurance but they would have to be neligent and this would not affect the city. Alderman Berardi thought the there should be some guidelines here. Wanted to refer to Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee to draw up some guidelines. We need a consultant to look at this. Mark said they want to be uniform in the fencing along with Lee Puleo. Alderman Lewis said she was thrilled someone wants to make the downtown look so inviting. Motion and second by Alderman Berardi/Hartford, said he approves the plan laid out by Shirley Franzoni’s business of “Blessings” at 74 North Main Street. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. The Street & Garbage committee adjourned at 7:08 p.m. Lake, Buildings & Grounds Alderman Joe Berardi, Chairman Lake Improvements. Alderman Berardi said he had concerns for the Lake area and wants to use $28,000 from the Lake Improvement Account and give those funds to the Executive Director SRPED Mark Rothert to hold those funds in escrow until funding becomes available to build a pavilion at the old boat dock. Alderman Berardi also suggested using Hotel/Motel funds. This was a dream of former Alderman Rick Reed. 4 Motion and second by Aldermen Berardi/Schenck, to use funds of $28,000 from Lake Development for SRPED to hold in escrow for a pavilion at the old boat dock at the lake area, and to be their project to do this year. Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 Discussion. City Treasurer stated the funds are restricted funds and she did not believe she could write the check to SRPED. She also explained the funding in that account came mainly from lot lease payments. Alderman Carl mentioned that City Attorney Chrissie Peterson had reported earlier the funds were earmarked for trails and arboretum. Alderman Schenck wanted to know if this request had been to council before? Alderman Berardi said it had! Alderman Schenck stated, then there is a master plan of how we want to see each piece developed when we can afford them. Alderman Carl mentioned that when Alderman Reed was chairman of this committee we had a very active committee to oversee the lake area of 6 members. Alderman Meade suggested setting aside $40,000 in next year’s budget. The motion was defeated by 2 AYES, 2 NAYS. Voting nay was Aldermen Schenck and Lewis. Alderman Schenck said he voted no as we had some type of plan years ago, we need to resurrect this plan. Antique Trailer Show. Executive Director SRPED Mark Rothert reported that he hopes to have a display like the Cruise-In does with the cars. This will held sometime in July. Alderman Berardi suggested a band on Saturday night and blocking off the street. And the use Hotel/Motel Tax funds, will be asked for later on. City Treasurer Kathy Luker suggested also of blowing the “whistle.” Farm Lease. Alderman Schenck wants to have a written lease for agriculture tenants for the use of the city’s property. He also wants to charge a market rate, and ask the tenant to do the mowing and have a rate established for that. The city then would reimburse for this service. All funding received should be deposited into the Lake Development Fund. Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Schenck, to have the city attorney draft a resolution to enter into an agreement for leasing of the city’s property. Discussion. Alderman Carl wanted to know if hunting purposes would be allowed as well for a fee? Alderman Carl wants to break up into two sections, one for developing a plan for hunting, and bird trails. 5 Alderman Berardi suggested that interim city attorney John McCarthy to have Maurer Stutz Inc. Keith Plavec to work with John to protect the city. Alderman Berardi mentioned that would be okay for George Hall to volunteer his time to work with John McCarthy on this as well. John Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 McCarthy mentioned according to state statute you are bound to the tenant of a four (4) month notice. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Energy Pricing. Alderman Berardi mentioned that he had been reviewing the need for this as gasoline is escalating. Joe said he has been talking to suppliers for 6 to 7 months now to help our elderly citizens to keep their cost down for heating their homes. Introduced was Steve Guy from ICAA (Illinois Commodity Aggregation Association.) Steve said he is working with electricity consumers in Illinois to take advantage of deregulation to reduce the cost of electricity. We bring knowledge, experience and market presence to consumers to help them make informed decisions about alternate supply options. Meeting with aggregating consumers into economically attractive groups to increase buying power. No fees to join. Unlike other aggregators, ICAA does not charge fees to members. Market expertise and experience – by monitoring market trends, we help members select the optimal time to select an alternate supply option. Timing is critical to get the most savings. We currently work with a number of cooperatives and municipals to structure long term power supply arrangements. Initially, all members will be signed up through May, 2008. New members may join at any time. Initial term will run through May, 2008. In early 2008, ICAA will begin negotiating new supply contracts for the period after May. Will provide the opportunity to review the updated Ameren electricity pricing. We look for opportunities to increase savings by canvassing multiple suppliers. Joining ICAA is simple. Provide a current Ameren bill. Sign the agency agreement that authorized ICAA to secure savings on your behalf. 6 Credit reviews provided by the supplier. Legal name and address is all that’s needed to complete this. ICAA will notify you when your savings begin with the new supplier. Any member can leave the association on the contract anniversary date (May, 2008) with no penalties or costs. After the initial term, a members’ only commitment is to remain in the association for the duration of the Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 current contract term if they have renewed for an additional contract period. Early withdrawals may be subject to a small fee. Our goal is savings. If you are not happy with the results, then you are free to shop elsewhere. The expertise is DeCott Energy Services, LTD and are behind the scenes. Alderman Meade asked how are you paid? Steve Guy answered, savings is on timing, aggregator acts as sales force and pay us from 1% to 1 ½%. Alderman Berardi said he ask the Chamber of Commerce to become involved. President Craig Zilly said several meetings have been held and this energy is helter skelter, and a mess. Willing to hold meetings to get the message out. Interim John McCarthy ask if the contract had penalty’s? Steve answered, no! Motion and second by Aldermen Berardi/. Alderman Hartford interrupted Joe to ask him from presenting his motion until his committee meets as he has an electrical rate for the city to present also. Joe agreed. Electrical Rates for the City. The Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee came to order at this time. Alderman Hartford mentioned that Mayor Heinze appointed a committee to review electrical co-op as Ameren rates were going up 78% for the City Buildings. Alderman Hartford then asked for City Treasurer Kathy Luker to comment on the findings. Later on in the meeting of the issue of energy, Alderman Berardi ask City Treasurer Kathy Luker was asked this question…When do you buy, when do you not buy!? Mayor Heinze told Kathy Luker she did not have to answer the question. Alderman Berardi said we will sit here until she does answer the question. After some 5 minutes of silence Interim City Attorney John McCarthy said to the other committee members, you can make a priority motion to close the 7 Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee, and all questions are decided without debate. Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Lewis, to close the Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee by a priority vote. The motion carried by voice vote of 3 members of the committee. Alderman Berardi was not heard if he voted. Interim City Attorney John McCarthy remarked a motion to adjourn shall always be in order. The Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Public Works, Water & Sewer Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman GIS Mapping. Alderman Hartford mentioned information is not available at this time. Filter Valve Replacement. Motion and second by Aldermen Schenck/Lewis, to approve the purchase of four 12” valves and one 6” valve on filters at the water plant that need to be replaced from Frabimor Equipment & Controls at total cost of $13,168.00 plus shipping, and to refer to council. Discussion. Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt commented that the cost of $2,832.00 for each 12” valve and $1,840.00 for the 6” valve. This price includes the operating actuators and electrical solenoid valves. The next closes quoted total price was $15,092 plus shipping. Purchase of Amperometric Titrator. Motion and second by Aldermen Lewis/Schenck, to approve purchasing Amperometric Titrator from Thomas Scientific, for the price of $2,037.92, refer to council. Discussion. Greg Pollitt mentioned this device will measure amounts of chorine in water and eliminate the trace interferences that will give you false reading. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. 8 Alderman Hartford ask Alderman Berardi that he could now talk about his committee’s energy pricing. Alderman Berardi said I can not vote on this issue because my committee was adjourned. Mechanical Committee 3-27-07 Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Schenck, to adjourn. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Public Works, Water & Sewer committee adjourned at 9:13 p.m. Recording Secretary, Nancy Whites, City Clerk 9