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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-19-08 Canton City Council Meeting Minutes The Canton City Council met Tuesday, August 19, 2008 in the Council Chambers, th 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, City Treasurer Julie Smick, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief W. D. Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt, System Maintenance Supt. Bill Terry, SRPED Executive Director Mark Rothert, Video Services by Joe Ginger. In the audience was Rachel Rose, Jim Hartford chairman of Planning & Zoning Commission, Matt and Sherri Rader, Mary Kay and her sister, news media of John Froehling from Daily Ledger, Mark Bixler from WBYS, Ben Van Whye from The Democrat. Mayor Kevin R. Meade ask for roll call at 6:30 p.m. Aldermen Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, David Nidiffer, Pam Ihnes, Jason Strandberg, Sonya Lewis. Absent – None. Consent Agenda Minutes of Council meeting held August 5, 2008 Minutes of Clerical Committee meeting held August 12, 2008 Alderman Sarff made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. BILLS. Alderman West made the motion to approve all bill as presented for payment. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Schenck. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 7 AYES, 1 NAY, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. 1 TREASURER’S REPORT City Treasurer Julie Smick mentioned that all departments have spent 25% or less of their Budgets. And the we are slow getting our statements in. Alderman Sarff made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for June and July. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Finance. Council Approval Financial Officer for job description and salary for full-time position. Alderman Strandberg reported that no job description has been written as yet. Mayor Meade is wanting to hire someone part-time now to work on Budgets. This could be sent to the Personnel Committee if you like, I am going to at the next meeting, plan on appointing someone. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to refer the full-time position to Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel Committee for next month. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Arson Investigator Training. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to approve of training for firefighter Mark Hanlin for 5 weeks in the amount of $5,440.00. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Discussion. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer mentioned that the meetings will be held in Kankakee and also Champaign. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Stark Excavating payment amount of $67,456.49. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to approve the payment of $67,456.49 to Stark Excavating. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, 2 West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Greenwood Cemetery payment. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to pay Greenwood Cemetery annual payment of $40,000.00. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Planning & Zoning request for funds of Educational Material. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to approve the purchase of Educational Material in the amount of $1,272.56. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Discussion. Mayor Meade said this is a great idea and commended Jim Hartford for doing this. Alderman Schenck said he also thanked Jim and said he was impressed with Teska for the Streetscape Plan. Hope they can come back to our community to help us and be a diligent outreach. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. rd MSI Engineering Agreement for 3 Avenue Design. Alderman Berardi ask where the funds are coming from for this project? Mayor Meade mentioned the City has total grants of $660,000 that is divided to Parcels 1, 2 & 3. And the work has to be for clean up. There is not enough clean up for parcel 3. So we thought about using those fund for the engineering barrier to be extended 175 feet. There is a clause settlement agreement IH will also pay for about 65%. No funds will come from the General Fund to pay for this project. Alderman Berardi wanted to know how the council voted on the attorney for IH? Alderman Sarff mentioned that we kept Michael Ohm who use to work for Bell Boyd & Lloyd, and council made that consensus. Alderman Berardi said, we hired a firm and should be voted on here at the council meeting. He was not publicly hired by our vote. I also have not seen a contract. Alderman Strandberg said this is the first time he has heard of reimbursement from IH. Alderman Sarff said he does not have intentions of going ahead if we don’t have the grant funds. 3 rd Alderman Sarff made the motion to approve of the 3 Avenue Design by Maurer & Stutz Inc. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 7 AYES, 1 NAY, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Approval of sampling by PDC for work at IH Site. Alderman Strandberg made the motion for approval to obtain sampling work at IH Site, and send those samples to PDC Laboratories to be analyze in the amount of $3,133.00. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Approval of Contract with Hoerr Construction for Televising & Cleaning at IH Site. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to approve the new contract with Hoerr Construction for Televising & Cleaning at the IH Site, and using USEPA grant funds that are in place right now for parcel 2 and parcel 3. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Joint Funding Agreement for payment of $15,500.00. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to approve joint funding agreement with th US Geological Survey for 11 and Myrtle Street. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Keith Plavec had recommended we continue to do this for our long term control plan. Discussion. Alderman Schenck mentioned that Peoria has had more combined sewer problems then the City of Canton has. There is more sewage in Peoria then our situation. Alderman Berardi mentioned that our CSO’s came into the neighborhood, so it is not the same. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Legal & Ordinance Committee Council Action. 4 Rachel Rose Assistantship of Master Plan for Lake Canton. Alderman Nidiffer recommended to have Rachel Rose for one semester at $3,500 at 20 hours work, and paid from Lake Improvement. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Discussion. Rachel said you will have 16 weeks to have the plan implement. You will not have a time line. Suggest before you do anything to check out the mapping with GRS at WIU for your next step, so you would know what to do. Alderman Lewis said this is approving tourism for our city. Let’s keep it going. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, O NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. th Alderman Berardi said he has concerns at the corner of Sycamore and 15 Avenue as a tree blocks the intersection. We need to take a look at this. Also, Alderman Berardi ask about Tony Fahrenbruch if he had liability insurance? Mayor Meade said Tony is in the process of purchasing it. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer was asked to check with Tony. Alderman Berardi said he does not want to have a problem when Tony is doing inspections for the City. Community & Industrial Development. Council Action Lot #13 for the Industrial Park – Development Agreement. Alderman Ihnes mentioned that Lot #13 in the Industrial Park is postpone until new business. Vacation of Mercantile Court. City Attorney mentioned that the Agreement with Trac Equipment says the City will vacate a street commonly and legally known as Mercantile Court and dedicate approximately one-half (1/2) of the land adjacent to Trac property to Trac Equipment. (In the agreement – The Developer will complete Minimum Project Improvement to Lots 12 as follows: a.Developer will cause to be funded, developed and constructed an expansion of the company’s existing facilities into lawn maintenance/landscaping business and equipment rental business 5 which will increase the fair market and assessed value of Lot 12 one hundred percent (100%) over the fair market value and assessed value at the time this development agreement was entered into. b.Developer will increase the number of new employees two hundred percent (200%) over the number of employees existing at the time this development agreement was entered into. At the end of twenty-four (24) months from the effective date of this agreement, if the Developer has not completed the Minimum Project Improvements as outline above, it will pay the City twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500), representing the current sale price of the property of approximately five thousand dollars ($5,000) per acre. Alderman Ihnes made the motion to vacate Mercantile Court. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Alderman Berardi wanted to know the value of the property, and City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented won’t know until the research is completed. Mayor Meade said would be fair market value and is part of the agreement. Alderman Berardi said we don’t have square feet of, value of building, no plats. What type of building will be built to conform to the zoning? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned that there will have to be a public notice and will come back to council before anything else is done. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, O ABSENT. Motion carried. Final Report of Streetscape Plan. Alderman Ihnes made the motion to accept the final report of the Streetscape Plan. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Alderman Schenck mentioned that this plan is a really excellent impression from Teska. Love to see this be the bases for Planning & Zoning Commission for any new construction. And, for SRPED to pursue looking at our downtown, and he said that he appreciates the partnership. Mark Rothert mentioned the City will pay 20% of $1.4 million that equals around $350,000 and matched by the City. Mark said this is for Phase 1. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. 6 Creation of a new TIF District for discussion. Alderman Lewis ask to be excused from voting as her husband is ahead of FCRC. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to excuse Alderman Lewis from voting on the creation of a new TIF District. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Mark Rother wanted to know if there was sufficient interest by council to create a new TIF District? Mayor Meade said we have TIF firms that can make proposals to the City. Do we even want to take that next step? Alderman Schenck said it is a good idea extending North Main Street, also good idea on residential TIF by the address themselves for merit. Alderman Strandberg said he did not know enough about it to vote on it tonight. Alderman Nidiffer said this is a huge project. I see merit in it. Said he supports bringing others in to the TIF Districts. Alderman Strandberg said he thanks Mark for doing what we asked him to do I really thing right now I want to see us have residential and the other TIF District separate. Direct SRPED to move in the direction council makes, and identify someone who can help us to formulate the TIF together. Let’s take the next step to get to that area. Alderman Berardi said he does not see North Main Street being in the TIF district, as it has grown without a TIF area. To make a TIF for one business, I can’t agree with. Alderman Schenck said we have three abandon buildings on North Main Street, and how long have they sat there? Mayor Meade said do we want to listen to proposals? We need a motion to have Mark Rothert said if you want to proceed, there will be appropriate number of people to give expertise. Mayor Meade mentioned that you have great questions, like to move to the next step. Alderman Berardi made a motion to look at alternatives. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Mayor Meade said we need to make a motion to have someone come in to make proposals and look at alternatives, and what does TIF area have to meet! Mark Rothert said to create a TIF takes advantages and opportunities. Presenter will come here and will give you their opinions. 7 Alderman Berardi said we need more involvement, not just someone who will drive and just be looking. The citizens need to know. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Mayor Meade told Mark to do a community forum with all taxing bodies but not on committee or council night. Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel Council Action. None. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR MEADE. Clydesdales. Clydesdale coming to Canton tomorrow will arrive at 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on second Avenue and they will be hitching up the team to the wagon. They then will drive around the town and be in Jones Park before the 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. delivering to the taverns. 861 E. Pine Street – Lien Release. Mayor Meade said this the nuisance property the city has had for a long time. The neighbors are buying the property to tear down the house. There is a $527.64 water bill against the property by the City of Canton Water Department. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to have the lien against 861 E. Pine Street by the City of Canton to be released. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Discussion. Both Alderman Strandberg and Nidffer said “thank you” to the neighbors for eliminating this eyesore. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Request for one new police officer and related sergeant and lieutenant promotions. 8 Police Chief W. D. Taylor reported that Lieutenant John Harmon is retiring on August 30, 2008. Want to approach the Fire/Police Commission to make appointments of Lieutenant and Sergeant and hiring of one police officer. Alderman Sarff made the motion to approve of the request. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. Discussion. Alderman Berardi said, don’t we use committee’s? Do we just by past the committee’s? Alderman Sarff said these appointments were already approved last month. This is the same appointment we just approved. Alderman Berardi said we do have protocol. Alderman Strandberg commented that he did not disagree that this was already brought to committee. Alderman Berardi said, it’s the way you do things. Alderman Sarff remarked that Alderman Berardi is welcome to his opinion. We can vote on the motion , does not pass, can send to the committee. Police Chief W. D. Taylor said that was an oversight on his part, said he was looking at keeping things running smoothly. The next officer does not need PTA Training. Alderman Schenck made the motion to amend, by sending the request to the committee of Public Safety & Traffic. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Ihnes, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – Aldermen Strandberg, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, and Mayor Meade. 4 AYES, 5 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion defeated. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINES: RESOLUTION – FOR WATER BY A PRE-ANNEXATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND MATT AND SHERRI RADER. First reading, read by title. Alderman Sarff made the motion the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Resolution being #3867. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned that on August 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. a public meeting will be held to discuss 16 water accounts that are outside the city limits in Westgate Subdivision. The meeting will be held at the 9 th Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue. They will need pre-annexation agreement with the city if they don’t already have one. On September 1, 2008 the correct water rates will be applied to their accounts. ORDINANCE – APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND TYDACO, INC. First reading, read by title. ORDINANCE – AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF MUNICIPALLY OWNED REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT LOT #13 OF THE INDUSTRIAL PARK. First reading, read by title. EXECUTIVE SESSION – THREATENING, PENDING LITIGATION; AND, PERSONNEL. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to go in to executive session. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The regular scheduled Council meeting convened for an executive session at 8:00 p.m. The minutes of the executive session are on file in the office of the City Clerk. The regular scheduled Council meeting reconvened into open session at 8:40 p.m. ADJOURN Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to adjourn the regular scheduled Council meeting. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. ____________________________, Nancy Whites, City Clerk 10 APPROVED: _____________________________, Kevin R. Meade, Mayor 11