HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-27-07 Mechanical Committee Meeting Minutes
MECHANICAL COMMITTEE
MEETING
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 – 6:30 P.M.
th
Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois
Aldermen in attendance: Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, David Nidiffer, Kevin
Meade, Jason Strandberg, Sonya Lewis. Absent – Aldermen Larry Sarff,
Craig West.
Those underlined are members of the committee.
Others attending: Mayor Rodney W. Heinz, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City
Treasurer Kathy Luker, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief Jeff
Fritz, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Cliff O’Brien,
Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Plant Supt.
Greg Pollitt, Street Supt. George Spahn, System Maintenance Supt. Bill
Terry, and Video Services from Joe Ginger. In the audience from the news
media was Daily Ledger representative John Froehling. Others in the
audience was Dick VanRossem, Warren Skinner, Attorney Nancy Schell,
Max Kumer.
Public Safety & Traffic
Alderman Eric Schenck, Chairman
Police Report.
The Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz highlighted his report. The
Canton Police Department has joined Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell and
Woodford Counties in Central Illinois in a unique web based prevention
program. DrunkStopper.com is a web program designed to aid local law
enforcement officers and help bring awareness to teens and families within
the communities in an effort to prevent death or serious injury resulting from
alcohol consumption. The website was developed in memory of 15 teens
who died in Tazewell County traffic crashed from March 2005 through July
2006. The website provides the opportunity for people with information
concerning underage drinking parties, teenagers using fake ID’s and
businesses that are selling alcohol to underage individuals to report this
information anonymously, The Canton Police Department has been
designated as the contact point for Fulton County. Using the reporting
portion of the website is simple. The person making the report would select
the appropriate county from a drop down screen, type the information they
wish to provide in the narrative portions, type in the confirmation number at
the bottom of the page and press send. The confirmation number is only
needed to prevent computers from generating emails and is not assigned or
1
associated with the person sending the information. The information is then
forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency. There is also a 24
hour anonymous telephone hotline available wishing to provide information.
As reported earlier in the year, Windshield Specialists has committed to
donate a percentage of their sales fiscal quarter of this year to the Police
Department K-9 Fund. During this month they presented the police
department with a check in the amount of $500.00 for the third quarter of the
year. To date, they have donated $1,500 to the Police Department K-9 Fund.
Also, during this month, the Wal-Mart Store presented a $1,000 grant
donation to the D.A.R.E. program. In addition, the Dairy Queen Grill &
Chill donated $250.00 to help fund the D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. programs
from a fundraising event they conducted on Friday, October 19, 2007.
Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz was thanked for his report.
Fire Report.
Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer highlighted her report. Fire
Alarms increased by 40.6% while EMS alarms decreased by 11.3%
compared to our responses in October 2006. This resulted in an overall
increase of .7% for responses compared to last year.
Pizza Hut located at 1590 E. Chestnut was damaged when can lights were
placed on insulation during the demolition phase of the facilities new
expansion. When the timer for the light turned the units on heat from the
lights ignited the insulation.
Assistant Chief Richard Grove and Firefighter Moravek participated in an
interview with WBYS radio highlighting Fire Prevention Week activities.
The fire safe house went to Canton schools where the second grade students
took part in an evacuation drill within the safe house.
The Annual Combined Conference for the Illinois Fire Chief Instructors and
Fire Chief’s was held at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria October 22, 23
th
and 24. Bonnie attended the conference and assistant chief Tom Shubert
th
attended the conference on the 24 and three other fire department members
viewed the exhibits on display. The Fire Chief’s Association awarded
Firefighter Clark Evans a $500 scholarship to pursue his educational goals.
2
th
I attended a Chief Officer’s Focus for the Twenty First Century training 27
th
and 28 in Bloomington. This two day class is provided free of charge
through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall and the Illinois Fire
Chief’s Association. The class provides an excellent leadership and
management class for Senior Officer Development.
Lieutenant Allan Devlin attended Confined Space Rescue Technician class
at Champaign. The 48 hour class endorsed by the National Fire Academy is
for the Region 9 Technical Rescue Team. The cost of the class is
reimbursed through the state.
th
A night drill was conducted October 25. We are required to have two night
drills annually. This training simulated a hazardous material incident and
was excellent training.
th
On October 16, Bonnie attended a meeting of the regional underground
pipeline companies. Updated information on underground pipelines in our
area was presented as well as training that is provided by the operators of
underground pipelines.
Alderman Schenck ask the chief for update on the Feaster’s Building that
caught on fire a few weeks back. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer mentioned the
building is now in the hands of the owner. The owner is seeking bids to
have the building demolished. They will inform the fire department when
that takes place.
Yield Signal – Ingersoll/Harvester.
Alderman Sarff had received one
complaint and had asked the police department to investigate. Police Chief
Jeffrey Fritz commented the resident wanted a stop sign, as a street crossing
another does require that. We are proposing a Yield Sign be placed there as
this is the first complaint of the area.
Motion
and second by Aldermen Berardi/Strandberg, to allow the drafting
of an ordinance allowing the Yield Sign for Ingersoll/Harvester Lane where
the street crosses another. The motion carried by voice vote, and was
unanimous.
New Dispatch Chair for Police Department.
Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz
commented the current chair in the dispatch office needs to be replaced. He
requested to purchase one (1) Ergonomic 24/7 Intensive Use Chair from
Concept Seating for the Communications Center. These chairs are designed
3
specifically for twenty-four hour a day, seven day a week use. The
Ergonomic design provides long life, multi-user versatility, reduced
musculo-skeletal strain, and advanced comfort features. The covers are for
the chair and armrests are replaceable which will extend the life of the chair.
The cost of the chair is $1,195.00 plus shipping charges of $50.00 for a total
of $1,245.00. Includes a six-year written warranty. This is a budgeted
expense.
Alderman Lewis and Alderman Strandberg both felt was quite high in price.
Alderman Strandberg suggested to the chief to research further. Chief Fritz
said he would do that.
Motion
and second by Aldermen Strandberg/Lewis, send to the Public
Works, Water & Sewer Committee next month to receive more
specifications from the Chief of Police Jeffrey Fritz. The motion carried by
voice vote, and was unanimous.
School Bus/Stop Sign Issues.
Alderman Schenck said he had one several
complaints and had ask Police Department to investigate. The complaint
was about the traffic on South Main/Beech. Police Chief Jeff Fritz gave the
following report. There are 15 young children having to stand in the
roadway waiting for their bus as there are no sidewalks. The traffic speed
for the highest was 23 miles per hour. The other area was at South
Main/Holly. Older students wait for the bus and again there are no
sidewalks. Suggested having a speed trailer put in the area and might be
able to borrow one and the department is working on it. Lets look at a
warning sign in lime green color and placing the sign prior to the bus stop.
Alderman Schenck said he liked the speed trailer idea and maybe also look
at other sites in the community.
The Public Safety Committee adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Streets & Garbage
Alderman Jason Strandberg, Chairman
There was nothing listed on the agenda and discussion was not held.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds
Alderman Sonya Lewis, Chairman
Change Elevator Agreement. Motion
and second by Aldermen
Berardi/Schenck, to enter into contract with Otis Elevator. Discussion. Cliff
4
O’Brien mentioned that Otis Elevator is the company that repaired the
elevator a few weeks ago and another company does not want to inspect
someone else’s work, so the other company does not want to do the
inspections anymore. The motion carried by voice vote, and was
unanimous.
.
Discussion of City owned Farm Land not on the agendaWastewater
Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers mentioned that Mike Krulac rents the
farm ground and wants to be able to buy his fertilizer. He is wanting to
know if there is any reason the City would not renew his contract? Joe
Carruthers reported that the City has a Agricultural Lease with the tenant
farmer. He uses the ground for a crop and in turn for that he mows some of
the ground at the Wastewater Plant.
Discussion was held on seeking two agreements, one for leasing of farm
land for that propose, and another agreement for services. Also suggested
to have certificate of insurance from Mike Krulac. Joe Carruthers will
provide a copy of the current agreement for council to review.
Discussion of Crawford Lot not on agenda. Alderman Berardi wanted to
know why Public Works Director Cliff O’Brien had mentioned last week
why this lot was substandard and ask Cliff to explain his comment. We
passed an ordinance last year that give us guidance in every situation of
buildings being built in our downtown, Alderman Berardi said. No one
knows how wide and how big the building is going to be. We need a review
process.
Alderman Schenck referred to the ordinance #1831 for Building, Site, and
Operational Plans and Design Guidelines.
Keith Plavec from Maurer & Stutz mentioned that the ordinance mentions
have to have approval of the Development Review Committee, standing
committee of the council and 7 members of the planning & zoning
commission, and building inspector before a building permit can be issued.
Keith than ask, when do we have the right to issue a building permit?
Alderman Berardi mentioned that Todd Fletcher’s building does not have a
façade and the last building Dennis Crawford built does not either.
Alderman Schenck mentioned that no one has been named to that Review
Committee.
Keith Plavec said lets begin from today and move forward, or take a look at
and review the ordinance.
5
Mayor Heinze said last week the city council voted the issue down, and the
Planning & Zoning Commission should be the review committee. Thought
we took definitive action on this last week.
(Copies will be made of the ordinance for the council members.)
Alderman Schenck said the ordinance was created with good intentions.
This was to give the city some control especially on the visual character.
Alderman Nidiffer said he applauds quality development. My caution is we
don’t want to play into the proposition of micro managing.
The Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Public Works, Water & Sewer
Alderman Jason Strandberg, Chairman
CIE – Easements.
Keith Plavec from Maurer Stutz Inc. reported this is in
regards council approved an agreement with Ameren-CIPS to purchase
water off this line that runs out to Central Illinois Energy. Ameren is
proposing to connect on to this line and run under their line under the county
highway. They will cross on to CIE property an then run behind the fence to
Ameren’s property. There will be two easements hopefully that will be
turned over to the City. They would like for the City to keep the main line
and then they would have the service line. Be like any other main as the
City would want the rights to the water. This easement is from the CIE
property to the water meter pit. It is 20 to 30 feet in length with a strip to
give the City access to maintain the water line to the meter pit including the
meter pit area. Consisting of 0.9 acres being conveyed to the City from
Ameren.
Motion
and second by Aldermen Berardi/Lewis, to enter into agreement
with Ameren Energy. The motion carried by voice vote, and was
unanimous.
Ordinance – Approving the Implementation Plan for Golf View Villas
PUD.
Aldermen Berardi said he wants to make a proposal to go ahead
with water and sewer.
Alderman Strandberg asked what proposal? Alderman Berardi, the one for
$57,000 and accept Option 2.
Public Works Director Cliff O’Brien gave his report on going to the back of
the lots for water and sewer. Keith Plavec answered, the cost would be
$200,000 just for the services, and based on Option 2 if the City does the
work.
6
Alderman Berardi said he still wants sidewalks and a 3 lane highway.
Keith Plavec mentioned the water service is far enough away towards the
North and will be no problem with 3 lane highway interfering with the water
and sewer lines.
Motion
and second by Aldermen Berardi/Schenck to accept Option 2.
Discussion. Alderman Schenck said in the Implementation Plan the
Country Clubs parcel of land that Cypress sits on is 2.4 acres an part of the
major plan. Keith Plavec reported the water and sewer proposals would be
punching numerous water lines through that road to connect up with the
water line on the north side, and some numerous sewer lines. The
Development Agreement we would agree to would incur cost for water and
sewer lines under the road in exchange for that property. This is the essence
of the water and sewer issue. Major question I have, does this plan and
ordinance commit us just doing the water and sewer for the first 24 lots? Or
does it commit us to water and sewer of other lots platted as well? It’s pretty
clear the ordinance will include the first 24 lots. Not clear on the next lots,
of sewer lines behind the lots, a lift station and a bunch of other issues, and
needs to be clarified. Not clear to me what the City is committed to! Has
the roadway title been received by the City? City Attorney Chrissie
Peterson said it was included in the Plat. Attorney Nancy Shell said the
Implementation Plan we have ask in that Plan for the City’s help in both
Section 1 and 2. Section 2 has not been platted yet and we do not have the
City’s approval. We’re asking for Section 1 be approved. Alderman
Berardi, it will be 1000 feet of running sewer and water lines. Can this
resolution I’m proposing include water and sewer for that Plat? Alderman
Schenck answered, he had heard from the developer it does not! Alderman
Schenck ask the city attorney, we’re only committed to Phase 1? City
Attorney Chrissie Peterson answered, yes! Then she said, I would say we
are only committing to Phase 1, but I would be somewhat cautious about
approving the whole Implementation Plan given that there are cost estimates
for water and sewer to Phase 2 attached to it under Exhibit E. Alderman
Strandberg mentioned the cost will be more that $57,000. Cliff O’Brien
stated the road will have 13 water cuts, and for the sewer, you’ll punch
those. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said she and Attorney Nancy Shell
can work together to clean up some language in the Implementation Plan if
we want to make it crystal clear that the City commitment is only applying
to Phase 1 and there not making any representation about what our
commitment is in the future. Alderman Schenck said be more comforting to
me figure how to pay for it! Other issue, I don’t have a good sense about is
7
upgrading the road. What point in time to do the road? Upgrade to 2 lane
road or 3 lane road?
Motion
and second by Aldermen Berardi/Schenck, amend the motion to go
ahead with Phase 1 costing $57,000 for water and sewer. City Attorney
Chrissie Peterson asked Alderman Berardi, in your motion, do you want to
adopt the language in the ordinance that commits Option 2, that Nancy Shell
provided to you last week with an amendment that we altered some language
to make it clear that Option 2 only applys to Phase 2? Alderman Berardi
said, he wants to go ahead accept resolution to approve PUD. City Attorney
Chrissie Peterson said we have two separate motions, one to adopt the
Implementation Plan with language that only applys to Phase 1. And you
are also recommending that the ordinance that Attorney Nancy Shell
provided to you last week. Alderman Schenck called for the question. City
Treasurer Kathy Luker ask what account will this come from? Alderman
Meade answered, $60,000 set aside of a couple developments that have not
been utilized this year, and I would look at that. The motion carried by
voice vote, and was unanimous.
Voting on approving the expenditure of $57,000 for water and sewer for
Phase 1, and referred to council. The motion carried by voice vote, and was
unanimous.
Alderman Schenck asked, when do we build the road? We have not made
th
any upgrades to 11 Avenue. Ideally not the way things get done. We
should be upgrading the road so when the development occurs the road
matches with the development. Is it the impression then all the road upgrade
is at the cost of the City, and how are we going to pay for it? They have
asked us to do curb and guttering also.
Alderman Berardi ask Keith Plavec to come back with cost for the road next
week.
Alderman Schenck asked, are any cost going to be shared by the Country
Club or any neighbors near by?
Alderman Berardi I lived on a street that did not have curb and guttering and
was assessed for it. You had no choice. There could be assessment for curb
and guttering by the next council members.
Alderman Schenck said the cost estimates for a new road run $700,000 to
$900,00 plus.
Alderman Berardi ask if we can use MFT funds? Keith Plavec answered
you can set aside say $100,000 each year. You don’t want to take away
from your maintenance program. Council would have to decide what
priority you want to use those funds.
8
Mayor Heinze said we went against this lasts year of using MFT funds
Attorney Nancy Shell said we can discuss later on the road, this does not
have to be tied to this.
Alderman Schenck said many ways upgrading fits in with the development
of the site. And the problem we have, we don’t have $800,000 for a new
road project right now.
Alderman Strandberg mentioned about the holidays coming up that interfere
with the meetings. The next schedule meeting falls on December 25 for
Mechanical Committee. January 1 is the first Tuesday of that month and
falls on New Year’s Day.
Mayor Heinze offered the following…
th
*On December 11 is the Clerical Committee meeting. Let’s have
Mechanical Committee on the same night.
th
*Cancel the meeting on December 25.
*Move January 1 Council meeting date to Wednesday January 2.
*Cancel the January 1, 2008 Council meeting.
The Committee members agreed to the schedule.
City Clerk Nancy Whites will notify the news media of the change in the
dates for the Mechanical Committee meeting and the Council meeting for
the first meeting in January.
The Mechanical Committee meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Recording Secretary,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk
9