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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-08 Canton City Council Meeting Minutes The Canton City Council meeting was held on June 3, 2008 in Council Chambers at th 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 1 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 2 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 3 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. 4 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 th 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 5 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 6 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. 7 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: 8 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 th 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. 9 RESOLUTION – APPROVING DEMOLITION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO REAL TH 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: 10 _____________________________, Kevin Meade, Mayor 11