HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-08 Canton City Council Meeting Minutes
The Canton City Council meeting was held on June 3, 2008 in Council Chambers at
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the Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with the prayer given
by City Clerk Nancy Whites.
Present – Mayor Kevin Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Kathy
Luker, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, new Police Chief W. Dan Taylor, Fire Chief
Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, City Engineer/Zoning Officer
Keith Plavec, Waste Water Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment
Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, Street Supt. George Spahn, Video Services by Joe Ginger.
In the audience was Jim Hartford, Gerald Martin, Brenda Rothert, Randy
Zimmerman, former Mayor Donald Edwards & wife Shirley, W. Dan Taylor and
wife Betsy, former Police Chief Mike Elam, former Police Chief Bob Molleck,
Rachel Rose, numerous police officers, dispatchers, office personnel in police
department, Police Chief from Farmington, news media from Daily Ledger John
Froehling, WBYS Mark Bixler, The Democrat Wendy Martin.
CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES OF MAY 20, 2008 COUNCIL MEETING, AND;
MINUTES OF MAY 27, 2008 CLERICAL COMMITTEE MEETING.
Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to accept the minutes of May 20, 2008
Council meeting and the minutes of May 27, 2008 Clerical Committee meeting.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Voice vote, motion carried
unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS BY MAYOR KEVIN MEADE.
Planning & Zoning Committee (5 year term)
Merl Pettet
Jim Hartford
Police Pension Board (2 year term)
Kevin Stephenson
Zoning Board of Appeals (5 year term)
Denise Colglazier
Harold Jump
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Library Board (3 year term)
Ralph Froehling
Charlotte Van Sickle
Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development (1 year term)
Nathan Ihnes
Bob Champlin
Fire & Police Commission (3year term)
Jaki Kohler
Mayor Kevin Meade made the recommendation of Wayne Dan Taylor as Police
Chief in the City of Canton, with Council’s consensus.
Alderman Sarff made the motion the appointment of W. Dan Taylor as the City of
Canton’s Police Chief be confirmed. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi.
Discussion. Alderman Jason Strandberg commented, I thought long and hard on
this issue. I’ve had a lot of conversation with people. I firmly believe one of the
important aspects of running a city effectively and efficiently is having the best
department heads we can. And, also I’m very happy when we can promote from
within, because that means we are doing something right in town. And that is a
good thing! And, I also believe that the best way to know for sure we have the
best possible people in these positions, is to have a well thought out open
process, as this is 2008. Lt. Dan Taylor is a very fine police officer and everyone
tells me that, and I believe it! And he very well maybe the best person for the
job. A process of accepting application of testing would tell us this. This is a
service we as city council, I believe should insist we have a consistent process
each time especially when we deal with making appointments as a department
head. This is very important issue, like public safety and quality of life. And,
because I think it’s time to have a consistent policy, I know it’s a mayoral
appointment with consent of council. I think we need a coherent and consistent
policy for administrating our town. I’m not incline to vote for this, and it had
nothing to do with Dan Taylor. I’m afraid if I vote for this I’ll be rubber stamping a
completely random policy for choosing our department heads. Dan Taylor is an
excellent officer. It sounds bad, and I should be voting yes, but I do support Dan
Taylor. I wish him luck and I hope he is the best police chief we’ve ever had. And
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I want to ensure everyone when he is the police chief tonight, I will support him
100% because that is the best for the community. I just believe we have to start
somewhere and I am not going to randomly appoint this or that.
Alderman Joe Berardi said, I thing Alderman Strandberg wasn’t involved in the
selection process when we did go through a lengthy process. And I was a guess,
so I know all about it. When we start spending $12,000 to $15,000 dollars to
decide what’s best, you then see what happens. I’m well aware of Dan Taylor
qualifications due to that process. This was headed up by interim Police Chief Bill
Doster. If it was my choice it would not have been at the top. He was more
qualified for this job. And I don’t believe always necessary to promote from
within. This is a special area, the selection tonight is the right selection. The
person running this administration was the wrong selection. You had someone
not confidant to deal within the community as Chief of Police. An you had
somebody overcome that problem. We have genuine support for Dan Taylor
among the former outstanding police chief’s. Alderman Strandberg, I disagree
that we never had a process.
Alderman Lewis said, however, taking personalities and emotions out of the
equation, I do echo Alderman Strandberg’s sentiments. I talked with Lt. Dan
Taylor and I told him whichever way I vote tonight, and I will be supporting Dan
Taylor. Apparently this time it just does not seem the right time to do that. I was
in favor of an interim police chief.
Mayor Meade remarked, we have a very large support here tonight of Dan Taylor.
Mayor Meade ask for former Police Chief Bob Molleck if he wanted to speak.
Bob said he came here tonight to support the council in general and to the mayor
in particular. I’m very interested in council meetings, because I sat here 14 years
myself. I am doubly interested in the police department because I ran the place
some 10 years. I do know Dan Taylor quite well and his abilities as a policeman.
And I think you have made a wise decision to appoint him. I support him 100%
and you too, mayor.
Michael Elam, former Police Chief said, this is like old home week, I have not been
here since 2002. Good to see everybody. Chief Molleck put in a program years
ago to train Canton officers to be the Chief of Police. We expanded that program
during my administration, I think Fulton County, Canton in particular has good
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people, and qualified people. Like to see young people move up. I congratulate
the mayor on his choice. Thank you.
Roll call on the appointment of Dan Taylor as Chief of Police. AYES – Aldermen
Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer. NAYS – Alderman Strandberg, Lewis. 5
AYES, 2 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. (One short in total for Alderman since Kevin Meade
became Mayor.) Motion carried.
OATH OF OFFICE.
Dan Taylor was given the oath as the new Police Chief of Canton, Illinois.
Mayor Meade thanked Betsy Taylor-wife, and Dan’s mother, dispatchers, officers
for coming, this is a great show of support.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Public Safety & Traffic.
Council Action
Motorola Pagers of three.
Alderman Schenck made the motion to approve of replacing three Motorola,
Minitor 5 VHF pagers, in the amount of $414.00 each, plus shipping of $25.00.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis,
Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0
NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. (Alderman Kevin Meade became the mayor,
left vacancy in Ward Three.)
Base Radio Unit from Supreme Radio Communications for $3,352.00.
Alderman Schenck 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. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. Roll
call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis.
NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. (Alderman Meade
became the mayor, left vacancy in Ward Three.)
Streets & Garbage – Alderman Jason Strandberg.
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Council Action
Bids received on First & Elm Street for sidewalk improvements from AEH
Corporation $13,702.00.
Alderman Strandberg made the motion to accept the low bid of AEH Construction
in the amount of $13,702.00. Discussion. City Treasurer Kathy Luker ask if she
could pay this out of IH TIF Fund? Mayor Meade said she could if it meets the
criteria. Kathy said it did. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg,
Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT.
Motion carried. (Short one alderman due to Kevin Meade becoming the mayor.)
Alderman Berardi ask Alderman Strandberg if he could put on the agenda of
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Public Works the ditch that goes downstream of CSO#5, and on 11 Avenue.
Jason said he would put it on the Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee or
under Streets & Garbage in three weeks.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds – Alderman Sonya Lewis.
Council Action
Lot Survey of Canton Lake.
Alderman Lewis said, request to send this for the Lake, Buildings & Grounds next
committee.
Alderman Berardi ask for City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec to give a
report on the Clearwell of what is going on!
Keith Plavec reported, Leander Construction, Iron Hustler and myself came and
looked over the site. Greg Pollitt of Water Treatment Plant Supt, and Clif O’Brien
Public Works Director and I have also met with them. There is nothing more to
report, other than, we do have quantities and we do have some cost material that
still looks like soupy material their trying to remove. The plan is to have
reinforcement of a rock wall to stabilize the material to take out the remaining.
The cost estimate of 2,000 ton of rock have to be brought in that they have given
us, if they use the crushed concrete on the IH site, roughly $10.45 ton. If we did
not go that route and had to purchase material from a quarry the price would be
$17.00 ton delivered from off site. Clif O’Brien had talked to a couple
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contractors, and they feel it is a good deal. That would be using the city’s rock
and they would crush it and move it down there. At this point looking at that,
you’re around $20,000. Clif O’Brien and I have talked with a trucking firm, and
we’re estimating in the $50,000 range. Will be back next Tuesday to give another
report.
Public Works, Water & Sewer – Alderman Jason Strandberg.
Council Action
Avenue C Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Improvements with Payment #4 from
Laverdiere Construction in the amount of $205,131,94.
Alderman Strandberg made the motion to accept Payment #4 from Leander
Construction in the amount of $205,131.94 for Avenue C Sanitary Sewer & Storm
Sewer Improvements. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Roll call. AYES –
Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS –
None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. (Alderman Meade became
the mayor, left a vacancy in Ward Three.)
Finished Water Storage Facility from Leander Construction for Payment # 4, in
the amount of $222,375.26 and for Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Alderman Strandberg made the motion to accept Payment #4 from Leander
Construction in the amount of $222,375.26 for Finished Water Storage Facility.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis,
Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0
NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. (Alderman Meade became mayor, that left a
vacancy in Ward Three.)
Communications from Mayor Kevin Meade.
Mayor Meade mentioned that he had a call from Pastor Greg Ogle. He wants to
give a point of review the way we decide to get a liquor license.
Pastor Ogle remarked he did not want to give hard a time to anyone. The liquor
license to Kemper’s Banquet Hall, I know him and he is a fine man and purpose it
is to help the business. New liquor license seems more are given out, and more
violent crimes also. District 14 of State Police reported 17 deaths first of the year,
and 50% was alcohol related. Pastor Ogle feels their property is more than 100
feet away. I get unimpressed of how easy the license are given out. I feel the
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silent majority can keep under control. I’m uncomfortable with liquor being sold
there. My main concern is the Illinois Record Commission ask for temperance.
Which means moderate or strain. Ari’s is a fine place and is on the square. Ask
liquor commission to look if this is good for the city. And not use as economic
issue.
Liquor License of Supper Club License Class B for Kemper’s Banquet Hall.
Mayor Meade said was favorable from the Liquor Commission. Alderman Berardi
asked about the 60/40 as for years we’ve have similar of the Grand Room. Mayor
Meade said Kemper’s is a Banquet hall. They still have to stick to the 60/40.
Alderman Berardi made the motion the liquor license be approved for Kemper’s
Banquet Hall of a Supper Club License of Class B. Was duly seconded by Alderman
Nidiffer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer,
Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
(Alderman Meade became mayor, left vacancy in Ward Three.)
Liquor License of Supper Club License of Class B for Ari’s.
Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to grant Ari’s Restaurant a Class B Supper
Club Liquor License. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion.
City Attorney was asked to explain what the owner has to do. City Attorney said,
for a Class B Supper Club License the difference has to do requirements of what
will at least be on an annual bases reports and data of selling 60% food up to 40%
alcohol.
Alderman Berardi mentioned it’s the separation of the church behind Goodwill.
Not in favor of selling liquor on the square.
Mayor Meade explained it is 100 feet from door to door.
Alderman Strandberg said, we could send to the Legal & Ordinance Committee
next week if they are not in a hurry.
Mayor Meade explained that those holding a Class B license are now being
required to meet those guidelines. One of those license holders did not and will
meet with the Liquor Commissioners July 1.
Alderman Lewis wants for the applicant to attend next week’s meeting.
Motion and second accepted the amendment to send Supper Club license of a
Class B for Ari’s to the Legal & Ordinance committee. Voice vote, motion carried
unanimously.
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Mayor Meade said he was remiss by forgetting to allow W. Dan Taylor the new
police chief the opportunity to speak.
Dan said the city is lucky to have a great police department. We have a lot of
good people there. A great foundation, with former Chief’s of Bob Molleck,
Michael Elam, and Donald Edwards as well. All local guys. They’ve all brought a
lot of good things. And will be able to learn from their successes as well as some
of their failures. Have talked to all three of them. They’ll be good mentors for
me. I want to thank the mayor and council for this appointment, and thank you
for all of the support of our people. And thanks to those who came to support
me. I’ll do a good job for you guys, and you guys will be proud of this. Dan
continued to thank his family and friends. The room was filled with happiness as
everyone in the room gave Dan screams, whistles and applause.
Mayor Meade ask for Wastewater Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers to give a
storm update on the plant. Joe said the electrical storm knocked out some small
things. A small component smoked, back in running now.
Mayor Meade mentioned how beautiful Jones Park is. Carol Kohler is in charge as
custodian and several others attend to the park. One week they were digging and
one week planting. Volunteers are Shelly Spencer, Jane Brewer, Kathy Edwards,
Sally Hart, Terry Meade, Jackie Trotter, Katrina Hamilton, Sherry Ault, Mike
Spencer, Carla Murray, Mary Virag, Hy Lewis, Lana & Preston Lewis, Bonnie Stine,
Sue Walters, Ray Cleer and Elizabeth Champlain. Any morning the Master
Gardeners are weeding, pulling and watering . Thanks to all for making our city
more beautiful.
Rachel Rose giving the Master Plan presentation.
Alderman Lewis said this is work in progress. We have met for the past several
months.
Rachel said this is draft plan and the first step of land usage and ideas.
Copy of the Master Plan is available from Rachel Rose and Nancy Whites, City
Clerk.
OLD BUSINESS:
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ORDINANCE – RE-ZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY OF WILLIAM AND VIVIAN
WHITEMAN FROM R-2 TO B-2 ZONING CONFIGURATION. Second reading, read
by title. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to refer the ordinance to the
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Mechanical Committee Meeting for June 24, an then goes back to July 1 Council
meeting. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Alderman
Berardi wants to know how the taxes are listed in the Fulton County Court House.
Alderman Schenck said for the Legal & Ordinance Committee to take a look at
concerning the parking ordinance for B-2 zoning. Been simple assumption of a
whole different set of compliance issues and additional restrictions.
ORDINANCE – AMENDING SECTION 3-8-11 (INTOXICATING LIQUORS: BONDS
REQUIRED) Second reading, read by title. Alderman Sarff made the motion to
place the ordinance on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. Roll
call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck.
NAYS - None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being
#1933.
ORDINANCE – ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR POSITIONS WITHIN THE CITY
OF CANTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY, 2008. Second reading,
read by title. Alderman Sarff made the motion to place the ordinance on its
passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. Discussion. Alderman Berardi
any issues haven’t seen in the Journal Star of 8% salary increases. When you hire
in you know what your hire in for. Don’t know what they did to receive it. Can’t
support it.
Mayor Meade stated only two employees are receiving 8% and basically they are
the lowest paid, and this in line with the union. Alderman Strandberg asked
Alderman Berardi if he wanted to send the ordinance to the Legal & Ordinance
meeting? Alderman Sarff said if you send it back to the committee, what are you
going to do? I see percentage of 8% on a salary of $21,000. The Clerical workers
are just getting in line with their pay scale as union employees. Roll call. AYES –
Aldermen Schenck, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – Alderman
Berardi. 7 AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being #1934.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE – AMENDING SECTION 7-1-6-5 (LIEN AND PERSONAL JUDGEMENT)
OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. First reading, read by title.
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RESOLUTION – APPROVING DEMOLITION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO REAL
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PROPERTY LOCATED AT 604 NORTH 11 AVENUE, CANTON, ILLINOIS. First
reading, read by title. Alderman Sarff made the motion the resolution be
adopted. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi. Discussion. Alderman
Berardi ask the city attorney to see if she could work out some kind of schedule to
give some help to Mr. Christy. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi,
Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1
ABSENT. Motion carried. Resolution being #3864.
The regular scheduled Council meeting convened for executive session at 7:50
p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL TO DISCUSS –
FIRE NEGOTIATIONS, AND PERSONNEL.
Alderman Strandberg made the motion to go into executive session for the
purpose of discussing Fire Negotiations and Personnel. Was duly seconded by
Alderman Nidiffer. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
The regular scheduled Council meeting reconvened into open session at 8:04 p.m.
ADJOURN
There being no further business Alderman Lewis made the motion to
adjourn. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. The motion carried by voice
vote, and was unanimous.
Mayor Meade adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
________________________,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk
APPROVED:
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_____________________________,
Kevin Meade, Mayor
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