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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-08 Canton City Council Meeting Minutes The Canton City Council met Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council th Chambers, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois for their regular meeting. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with prayer given by City Clerk Nancy Whites. Present – Mayor Kevin R. Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, Interim City Treasurer Julie Smick, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief W. D. Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, City Engineer/Zoning Officer Keith Plavec, Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt, Street Supt. George Spahn, System Maintenance Supt. Bill Terry, Video Services by Joe Ginger. In the audience was Environmental Attorney Jon Falcepo, news media of Daily Ledger John Froehling, WBYS Randy Weaver, The Democrat Wendy Martin. Mayor Kevin R. Meade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Aldermen answering roll call – Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, David Nidiffer, Jason Strandberg, Sonya Lewis. Absent – Alderman Pam Ihnes. CONSENT AGENDA Minutes of June 17, 2008 Council meeting Minutes of July 1, 2008 Council meeting Minutes of July 8, 2008 Reconvened Council meeting Minutes of July 8, 2008 Clerical Committee meeting Alderman Berardi mentioned that the reconvened Council meeting of July 8, on the question, not the quality nor the expertise of the appointment of the treasurer, the legality of it. Who appointed the treasurer? Mayor Kevin R. Meade, said he did. Alderman Berardi said, according to Roberts Rules of Order, should we not have had a mayor pro tem? Nancy, I’m not picking on Nancy, but she is not a member of the city council. Therefore, she has no authority to convene the meeting. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said, we can correct that. Alderman Berardi said, I don’t want a problem with that. And when you are not here the most senior Alderman is Larry Sarff. Maybe we should establish that he be the mayor pro tem. I would like to make that a motion, as a permanent mayor pro tem. 1 Mayor Kevin R. Meade said, your motion is not appropriate at this time, we are approving the minutes. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson addressed the legality of the meeting. It was a reconvened meeting. So for 95% of the meeting you did have an acting chairman when the mayor was here. There were 20 minutes of that reconvened meeting when there wasn’t a chairman. But when you read the municipal code that deals with absences, or temporary absences of the mayor, a temporary chairman can be elected. Does not mandate that the temporary chair has to be elected. But it does affect the legality of the meeting if you don’t address that. Alderman Berardi said he is not addressing that, it is the Roberts Rules of Order for mayor pro tem. It was not about the appointment, it was the procedure, the pay, things we did not have and did not have in our hand before the meeting. Alderman West made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. TREASURER’S REPORT. Interim City Treasurer Julie Smick commented that she is trying to get a good handle on most everything. She said she had ran in to some difficulties because some of the banks have turned on line banking off. That has tied my hands, as we don’t get our bank statements in the mail, we get them off the internet. Just trying to get a grasp of all the other things that need to be done. I will get ironed out all those things that need to be ironed out. And if you need to get a hold of me, Nancy Whites has my cell phone number. Changes have been made the way things are done since I was here before. Nothing can be done manually until all bills are paid. Hopefully I will get a good grasp in the next few weeks to give you a treasurer’s report. For now will use Kathy’s style. If you need additional information or want to change the format let me know. BILLS. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to approve the bills. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Alderman Berardi ask for a roll call. Roll call. AYES - Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Schenck. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 6 AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 2 Financial Officer. Alderman Jason Strandberg commented that it was decided at the committee meeting we could hire someone for some of the jobs that was done by the former City Treasurer’s position. Was held over for financial committee in August. Purchase of Ballistic Vests. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to approve the request for 8 Armor Express Halo level 111A vests from the Ray O’Herron Company in the amount of $755.00 per vest with the grand total of $6,200.00. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Discussion. Police Chief W. D. Taylor said that 50% of the cost is coming from The Department of Justice. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Purchase of Stalker Radar Unit. Alderman Strandberg made the motion for a Stalker Radar Unit for Squad #4 from Stalker Radar Applied Concepts, Inc. in the amount of $1,995.00. and using funds in the DUI account. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Mobile Crash Report Printer. Aldermen Strandberg made the motion to install in-car printers in eight of the Police Department squad cars to upgrade the Mobile Crash Report System from Advanced Public Safety in the amount of $6,625.06. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Police Chief W. D. Taylor mentioned using grant funds to pay for this is from IDOT. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Fire Hose Replacement $8,600. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to purchase 5-inch supply line hose and adapters from Municipal Emergency Services in the amount of $8,600.00. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Discussion. Alderman Sarff mentioned that the Fire Chief made sure he had the information on the adapters and even brought the information to his home. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, 3 Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. International Association of Fire Chief’s Conference. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to allow only one person to be allowed to attend the International Fire and Rescue Conference to be held in Denver Colorado in August at a cost of $1,875.00 for registration, plane fare, hotel, and meals. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Legal & Ordinance. Council Action Lot 13 Industrial Park Informational. Alderman Nidiffer reported that this is informational as the SPRED Executive Director Mark Rothert is working with Tony. Will bring back for a report at the Legal & Ordinance committee. Community & Industrial Development. Council Action None. Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel. Council Action None. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR KEVIN R. MEADE – Mayor Kevin R. Meade said he was approached by a private citizen who was interested to make the Whistle at the former IH plant functional, and to be heard around town. It takes 500 gallon air to blow the whistle and then at 68%. We 4 are wanting to sound the whistle over the 5 to 6 emergency sirens. Up to date have raised $1,000. Two of the sirens are already digital and we need to get others up to speed. Anything else want to do for broadcasting we can up to four minutes. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer mentioned that one siren needs update. Two were th done last year at Old West Locust and 14 & Chestnut. Alderman Schenck wants to know the exact cost to make all sirens digital. Have a volunteer who will help in obtaining the rest of the funds. Appointments. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion the appointment of SRPED Executive Director Mark Rothert to the Planning & Zoning Commission be confirmed. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Alderman Schenck said Mark will do a find job, but does this create a conflict? Mayor Kevin R. Meade said this is a three year appointment, and is important to have his input from the Comprehensive Plan. And, Mark has asked to be appointed. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Library Report. Mayor Kevin R. Meade they are required to file an Annual Report. Our Library is unique as it is one of two self funding privately in the state, and the other one is in Elmwood, Illinois. The Director Randy Wilson has given the city a copy of the report, and is on file with Carol Kohler my secretary. Request for Promotions by Police Chief. Police Chief W. D. Taylor requested approval that the Fire and Police Commission appoint two new Police Officers. One of the positions would fill the vacancy created by former Police Chief Jeffrey Fritz and the second position would be to add a Police Officer which is a budgeted expense. And asking the Fire and Police Commission to make a Lieutenant promotion to fill the vacancy created by my promotion to Police Chief, and to make a Sergeant promotion created by the result of the Lieutenant promotion. Mayor Kevin R. Meade mentioned that the appointments are made by the Fire/Police Commission, council makes the request to hire, we are then out of the loop. This is by law. Alderman Berardi said this subject was to be in executive session, and we agreed to that. 5 Alderman Sarff said that is his understanding also. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented – this is two new hires, because we’re not talking about the discipline or performance of a specific employee, I’m not sure you have that authority to hold that part of the discussion in executive session, so you may want to go ahead as for the two new hires. The Sergeant promotion and the Lieutenant promotion involves discipline or performance of specific employees, that’s appropriate and that is why it’s listed as Personnel under the executive session. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said we will take action after the executive session. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said there will be a slight change in the agenda’s. The agenda will be e-mailed on Thursday to the department heads, and aldermen. That way if anything is missing on the agenda you can add to it and call Nancy office on Friday. This will began next Thursday. Alderman Nidiffer mentioned that some of the aldermen cannot receive e-mail from the city. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said he would call Timbuktech Inc. Alderman Berardi said why can’t the police department deliver our packets? Alderman Strandberg said he will continue to go to the city building to pick up his packet. Alderman Sarff said, they are on patrol anyway. I know sometimes we are not home, and feel bad they have to make several attempts. He sees no extra expense. OLD BUSINESS: 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 the ordinance be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. Discussion. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said the water maintenance part time amount was corrected since the first reading. Motion and second agreed to place on its passage as amended. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Ordinance being #1938. NEW BUSINESS: 6 ORDINANCE – STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF AVENUE C AND PINE STREET. First reading, read by title. ORDINANCE – PROVIDING FOR A STOP SIGN ALONG EASTBOUND EAST VINE AT THE INTERSECTION OF EAST VINE STREET AND ROYAL COURT. First reading, read by title. RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING SIGNATURES ON CITY CHECKS. First reading, read by title. Alderman West made the motion the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Discussion. Mayor Kevin R. Meade commented that three can sign checks, the mayor, the clerk, and the treasurer. Requires any two of the three to sign the checks. In the past only two could sign checks and that was the clerk and the treasurer. The banks are saying three should have be authorized. Also the resolution should be changed for the ending date to be May 5, 2007. Also to reconfirm the appointment of Julie Smick as Treasurer. Motion and second agreed to adding the appointment of Julie Smick as Treasurer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS - Aldermen Schenck, Berardi. 5 AYES, 2 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSION – TO DISCUSS IEPA VIOLATIONS, PERSONNEL, AND, FIRE NEGOTIATIONS, EMPLOYMENT OF LEGAL COUNSEL. Alderman Sarff made the motion to go into executive session. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The regular scheduled Council meeting convened for the executive session at 8:44 p.m. The regular scheduled Council meeting reconvened in open session at 8:58 p.m. Alderman Strandberg checked to see if anyone was remaining outside, and no one was. Alderman Sarff made the motion to fill positions as requested by Police Chief W. D. Taylor of a Lieutenant and a Sergeant; and two new hires. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Discussion. Alderman Berardi wants to break up the individual appointments of Lieutenant & Sergeant by themselves. Alderman Sarff said he had no problem with that. 7 Alderman Sarff withdrew the motion and Alderman Lewis withdrew her second. Alderman Sarff made the motion to fill the position of two new patrolman. Second by Alderman Lewis. Discussion. Alderman Schenck ask, is it not the case, if you fill the other two positions, you need two motions to fill the Sergeant and Lieutenant? Mayor Kevin R. Meade answered, no! Alderman Schenck then stated, do we not have specific number of officers in our ordinance? Mayor Kevin R. Meade answered, yes we do! We are already under that number. Alderman Sarff withdrew his motion and the second of Alderman Lewis withdrew. Alderman Sarff made the motion to fill the position of Lieutenant. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Schenck. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 6 AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Alderman Sarff made the motion to fill the position of Sergeant. 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 Sarff made the motion to direct the Fire/Police Commission to fill the positions of two new patrolman. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said he had 6 free tickets from the governor for the State Fair and for a free lunch and beverage. Let him know if interested. ADJOURN Alderman Sarff made the motion to adjourn. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Being no further business Mayor Kevin R. Meade declared the council meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. 8 ______________________________, Nancy Whites, City Clerk APPROVED: _______________________________, Kevin R. Meade, Mayor 9