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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-27-08 Mechanical Committee Meeting Minutes The Canton City Council Mechanical Committee meeting was held on May 27, th 2008 in Council Chambers at the Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois. Public Safety & Traffic Committee Chairman Eric Scheck said he would relinquist his meeting to Streets & Garbage Committee to go first. ALDERMEN IN ATTENDANCE – Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, David Nidiffer, Jason Strandberg, Sonya Lewis. Absent – None. (One Alderman short due to Alderman Kevin Meade becoming the mayor.) Others in attendance – Mayor Kevin Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Kathy Luker, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief Jeff Fritz, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt, City Engineer and Zoning Officer Keith Plavec, and Video Services by Joe Ginger. In the audience – News media of Daily Ledger John Froehling, WBYS Mark Bixler, The Democrat Wendy Martin; Jeri & John Smith, Marvin Johnson, Gerald Martin, Sue Walters, Attorney Judy Toohill, Gordon Christy, Brenda Rothert, and several citizens. LAKE, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE - ALDERMAN SONYA LEWIS, CHAIRMAN. William & Vivian Whiteman Ordinance for B-2 zoning from R-2 Zoning. Mayor Kevin Meade said he got a call from the Whiteman’s to move the date to June 17 as the Whiteman’s will be out of town. Alderman Berardi wanted to know if the whole Street from South Main on down the street is zoned B-2? And if the building or the house is being considered in this re-zoning? Someone in the audience commented that the trailers are not sitting back of the house. Alderman Berardi asked, are we following upon the zoning compliance? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned if council chooses to zone the property it has to have a parking lot. Alderman Sarff said last week it was questioned if had to be zoned? I thought was resolved. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented only auto detailing, trailers – no. Alderman Berardi asked about what substance has to be on a parking lot? City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec commented 8 to 3 inch bituminous for parking lots. Two businesses had been notified about their parking lots. Mr. 1 Shawgo in 2005 – 2006 had a permit and was looking for guidance. He received my letter where I stated the parking lot had to be done. Mr. Shawgo had mentioned earlier he planned on getting it done, but said he was only talking about the approach. Alderman Schenck thought would be helpful to discuss with businesses what is needed beforehand. Keith Plavec said the Whiteman’s would need one space per bay for auto detailing. Entire area needs to be brought up to code. Alderman Schenck said you are doing a dissension to this area allowing B-2 zoning that’s residential. Hope we can work something out with the Whiteman’s. We have places welcome for businesses with open heart. Cognizance of miss-use were going to have to avoid, and helping folks to make a successful business. Alderman West stated, he is hard pressed, would favor Special Use permit. Mayor Meade said the ordinance comes up next week for second reading, postpone for two weeks before voting. Bid from Trac Equipment for Lot #13 in the Enterprise Industrial District of $100.00. City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec said this property is the right-of-way for two lots. We mentioned that it would cost the city of making any repairs to this area would be $45,000 for road way, and other projects. Not good use of TIF funds to use there for these projects. Mayor Meade said that Trac Equipment would be limited on what they could do with the lot. The city would enter into an agreement if sell the lot, which would be a development agreement. Alderman Berardi wants a time limit, and will not vote on it until have an agreement. Alderman Berardi referred to Legal & Ordinance Committee and for City Attorney Chrissie Peterson to draft an agreement. Greenwood Cemetery. Alderman Sonya Lewis mentioned this had been talked about in the Lake Committee’s Master Plan of incorporating managing the Greenwood Cemetery. Alderman Sarff this came up for discussion due to increasing expenses to support it. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned, the issue is on restructuring and how to manage of bringing into the city. It was left that way the first time we talked about it. 2 Alderman Strandberg said he is not in favor of selling and especially to a private company. Is in favor of having it running smoother and better. Alderman Berardi said, he has more calls on this issue than he did raw sewage. Several funeral directors outside the city told him not to sell. Alderman Sarff said, he was not necessarily in favor of selling, we wanted public feelings on it, and we have them now. Alderman Sarff recommended that staff of City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec and others come up with recommendations of how to address the issues. Marion Johnson commented that the Cemetery came into existence 1837. Something should be done, rather than privatizing it! What is the reason to privatize? Alderman Sarff answered, only brought up for conversation point. Marion said there were four cemeteries in Canton at one time. Alderman Lewis thanked Marion for sharing his concerns and comments. Lot Survey of Canton Lake. City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec said he had talked with Ron Cloninger a surveyor who use to work for their office, the cost for surveying, and his best guest was $15,000. Keith said he would be happy to put together a proposal. Some of the lots of the area is not recorded, they maybe platted. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented, part of what Council decides, we need a good property boundary of what it is. Important to look at the leases, especially when the Canton Lake is no longer the water source. Attorney Toohill is in the audience with something that says, maybe the city does not own around the lake area, as the City has always assumed they did. Keith Plavec mentioned, maybe we should start with the boundary’s, look at them first. Should decide before develop other property. Alderman Schenck thought not a bad idea for boundaries, not well defined on the landscape. Do the lot leases go down to the lake? Public Works Director Clif O’Brien said Waverly Addition does, Northshore does not. Keith Plavec said he would bring proposal back to committee. Judy Toohill attorney for the Marinich family, wants to sell their property at an auction, and wants to know what exactly they own, or city owns by the lake area? The issue is a 26 strip of land near the lake. She feels the Marinich Trust owns that stub. Judy said she liked to be on the same page as you folks. Marinich family 3 worrying about property around the lake, as was never annexed into the city. Wondering if the City has any plans, and, if have, to contact Judy. Chrissie Peterson said, she has believed the city owns all that property near the lake due to being the drinking water source. Maybe have issues EPA and maybe not necessary to own all property around the water shed. Judy had started off wanting an easement, family feels all property goes down to the lake. Alderman Berardi said my suggestion since it is our drinking water, we make offer to purchase the Marinich property. Alderman Sarff said he did not disagree all of what Alderman Berardi mentioned, but let’s determine what we own. Alderman Schenck said, be helpful someone take the time, this is a diligent process to come up with course of action. Keith Plavec mentioned, that Chuck McCarthy can do a title search, then looking at boundary survey. Alderman Berardi made the motion to allow survey for the mariner property around the lake, and refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee adjourned at 8:08 p.m. STREETS & GARBAGE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN JASON STRANDBERG, CHAIRMAN. Bids received on First Avenue and Elm Street for sidewalk Improvements. City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec mentioned there were three bidders. They are – Greg Foose - $14,136.00; Trotter General Contractors - $26,381.00; AEH Construction - $13,702.00. Keith said the area is in front of Crawfords on South First Avenue. Alderman Sarff asked if references had been checked? Keith Plavec reported that AEH Corporation has done work for IDOT and have been pre-approved. Alderman Berardi made the motion to refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Schenck. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. th Potential Condemnation of Property located at 604 North 11 Avenue. Gordon Christy was in attendance and he said that two weeks was not to find all letters behind his name. I have not gathered anyone. The house was built in 1825. Twenty-five years ago I bought the house. I have never received a citation 4 nor violation in those twenty-five years. My intent is to bring the house back to good condition. Don’t like not being in control. The trailer owner passed away in March. I was called that someone wanted to inspect the house. I trust and believe in the City. The inspection was to proceed with condemning the house. Received a letter two weeks ago to come to this meeting. I have talked to three people but they are all masonry workers. They don’t have credentials behind their names. Go ahead and make your decision. In two weeks I did a lot of soul searching. I gave my word to fix up or tear down. That is still my intent, I don’t want to throw my money elsewhere, as I want to put it in the house. Alderman Strandberg commented that no one wants to put you under stress. This is been an on-going process for over one year. If you could have come up with the funding we would have left you alone. City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Placec commented that the house was inspected. The city did not make a report, neither did the Fulton County Health Department. Tony Fahrenbruch the city’s code inspector said the power coming into the house is not safe. My biggest concern, the longer he waits, the house won’t last another year. Want to see a time frame, and if you condemn it, why put money in it. The city’s stand point, the house be secured, right now it is not in safe condition. Alderman Berardi told Mr. Christy, you can’t win this one. Don’t spend any more money and apply to get a permit to tear it down. Alderman Berardi made the motion to refer to council to have Gordon Christy to demolish the house. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 8:37 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY & TRAFFIC COMMITTEE, ALDERMAN ERIC SCHENCK, CHAIRMAN. Police Report. Police Chief Jeff Fritz highlighted his report that on April 18, 2008 Telecommunicator Jana Eveland was recognized as Telecommunicator of the Year during an award presentation at the Canton Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and meeting. On April 25, 2008 the Canton Police Department participated in a countywide exercise simulating two (2) active shooters at the Cuba High School. The Canton 5 Police Department Hard Entry and Arrest Team received many compliments on their performance during the exercise. Fire Report. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer highlighter her report. Had 8 auto alarms during the month and gas leaks. Had four carbon monoxide calls. In general the calls were down. On April 2, 2008 Firefighter Scott Roos was presented the 2008 Rotary Fire Fighter of the Year award at the Canton Rotary Club meeting, which was held at Canton Country Club. He has an Associate Degree in Fire Science and is very involved in Fire Prevention activities. Scott Roos is enthusiastic about assignment, and excellent communicator, continually seeking self-improvement and thoroughly loves doing his job. Pump Tests of the three fire trucks were performed April 17. This is an annual test which evaluates the performance of the fire equipments pumping capabilities. Assistant Chief Tom Shubert and Lieutenant Tony Plumer attended FDIC in Indianapolis. The annual event consists of excellent speakers on a variety of topics with the fire service combined with a huge display of fire equipment from vendors across the nation. Three firefighters attended Tactics and Strategy class at Illinois Central College the th week of April 7. The 40-hour class is seldom offered in the one week format as opposed to the semester long class. The final test for the class also served as the state test for the class certification which saves on transportation and logistics associated with the firefighters going to state test sites after class completion. The Canton Fire Department has been notified of a grant award of $3,635 from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation. The grant is for a lighting upgrade in the fire department. Energy efficient ballast and lamps will be installed into the current fixtures within the fire station to create an electrical energy saving. 6 The 2008 Assistance to Firefighter Grant was submitted. The application requested assistance for ongoing training in fire suppression tactic and strategy with an emphasis on personnel safety. th A code enforcement meeting was held April 18. The objective of the meeting was to coordinate the efforts of the departments and agencies involved achieving code enforcement. The effort is the achieve compliance with the current codes and make this as stream lined of a process as possible. The end result will be saving the businesses and the City financially, which code requirements are met. th The annual hydrant flushing and inspection began April 28. Motorola Pagers of three at $414 each. Alderman Berardi made the motion to approve replacing three Motorola, Minitor 5 VHF pagers, in the amount of $414 each, plus $25.00 shipping, and refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer mentioned that in order to save $75 after purchase rebate per pager with a trade-in of old pagers. To be eligible for the rebate and order of five or more pagers is needed. Other area fire departments, who need pagers, would like to place the initial order then receive reimbursement. The annual communications grant awarded to Canton from Fulton County ETSB will cover $833 of the purchase. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Base Radio Unit from Supreme Radio Communications for $3,352.92. Alderman Berardi made the motion to approve replacing the Base Radio in the Fire Department in the amount of $3,352.92 for the unit that consists of a 100 watt base with dual control heads, and refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Parking on 0-100 Block of South Main Street. Alderman Schenck said he has complaints, and the chief police looked at the area. One of the issues is 2 hour parking. After 9:00 p.m. you can park there. City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec mentioned the parking rules was 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Alderman Schenck mentioned parking enforcement is the issue. Maybe can have permit system downtown for residents. Alderman Sarff said, they park there now! 7 Alderman Berardi said, direct the police chief to enforce as currently posted. Other action, could consider posting 2 hour limit and not parking between certain hours. Police Chief Jeff Fritz mentioned, we would have to have someone to chalk tires, and come back to see if car was moved. Alderman Schenck made the motion for the Police Department to step up enforcement of 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., and report over a couple weeks. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Stop Signs on Howard Place, Spruce Street & Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue and Ash Street. Alderman Schenck mentioned the intersection of Howard Place with Second, Third and Fourth Avenue do not have stop signs. Similarly, the “T” intersection of Spruce Street with Third Avenue does not have a stop sign. Finally, the intersection of Fourth Avenue with Ash Street does not have a stop sign. Ask police chief to check on these intersections and report back. The Public Safety & Traffic adjourned at 9:03 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS, WATER & SEWER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN JASON STRANDBERG, CHAIRMAN. Increase in costs for mowing/clean-up of liens. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson ask Street Supt. Georg Spahn if $75.00 would be enough to charge now that gas prices are so high. Public Works Director Clif O’Brien suggested doubling the fee to $150.00. Alderman Berardi made the motion to accept changing the current fee, and refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Schenck. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Avenue C Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements for payment #4 from Laverdiere. City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec mentioned that the work is going great. Should have completion June 15. Alderman Berardi made the motion to accept payment #4 from Laverdiere for Avenue C Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements in the amount of $205,131.94, and refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Schenck. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. 8 Leander Construction Application for payment #4 for WTP Improvements of Finished Water Storage Facility. City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec mentioned they are on time schedule. Keith will report back next week with more information. Alderman Berardi made the motion to accept payment #4 from Leander Construction, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant Improvements of Finished Water Storage Facility in the amount of $222,375.26, and refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Schenck. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee adjourned at 9:23 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS – NEGOTIATIONS WITH FIREFIGHTER’S UNION; AND PERSONNEL. Mayor Meade allowed for a five minute recess before going into executive session. Only needed to stay is City Attorney Chrissie Peterson. The regular scheduled Mechanical Committee convened for executive session at 9:24 p.m. The regular scheduled Mechanical Committee reconvened in open session at 10:12 p.m. to adjourn. No motion nor second was made to adjourn. Recording Secretary, Nancy Whites, City Clerk 9