The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About10-21-08 City Council Meeting Minutes The Canton City Council meeting was held on October 21, 2008 in Council th Chambers at the Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois. Those in attendance – Mayor Kevin R. Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, Deputy Clerk Diana Tucker, Interim City Treasurer Julie Smick, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief W. Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, Joe Ginger Video Services. In the audience was news media of Larry Eskridge from the Daily Ledger, Mark Bixler from WBYS radio, Wendy Martin from The Democrat; Gil Johnson, John McCarthy – attorney, Police Officer Rick Nichols. Pledge of Allegiance opened the meeting, followed by the Invocation given by City Clerk Nancy Whites. Mayor Kevin R. Meade asked for roll call at 6:30 p.m. Present – Aldermen Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, David Nidiffer, Pam Ihnes, Jason Strandberg. Absent – Sonya Lewis. CONSENT AGENDA th Minutes of Council meeting held October 7, 2008. Minutes of Clerical Committee meeting held on October 14, 2008. Alderman West made the motion the consent agenda be accepted and placed on file. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. Motion was unanimous by voice vote. BILLS. Alderman Sarff made the motion to accept all bills as presented for payment. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Schenck. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 6 AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. TREASURER’S REPORT. 1 Alderman Ihnes made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Motion was unanimous by voice vote. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Finance – Alderman Jason Strandberg, Chairman Elected Officials Salary. Alderman Strandberg mentioned we have 6 months for the salaries to be determined. We decided last week the mayor’s pay would be a $500.00 a year increase, with salary now of $19,500.00. The Aldermen’s salary would remind the same of $3,600 a year. We decided to make the Treasurer’s position part-time and lowering the pay to $18,000 and also lowering the duties. And we talked about a finance officer. Also discussed cost of living for the city clerk’s position. Mayor Meade suggested 6% increase for the first year with 3% the next three th years for the city clerk’s position. On November 4 council has to pass the ordinance, and it would be first reading. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to send the ordinance for salaries of mayor, aldermen, city clerk and treasurer to the Mechanical Committee meeting for October 28 for discussion. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Motion was unanimous by voice vote. Legal & Ordinance – Alderman David Nidiffer, Chairman None. Community & Industrial Development – Alderman Pam Ihnes, Chairman Hotel/Motel Tax request for the city web-site fees. Alderman Ihnes made the motion to allow paying ½ of the $900 fee, and paid from the Hotel/Motel Tax funds. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Illinois River Road Kiosk. 2 Alderman Ihnes made the motion to allow the placement of the Kiosk in Jones Park. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Discussion. Alderman Berardi asked why Jones Park to place the Kiosk? Alderman Schenck said Canton is Gateway Community for the Scenic byway. The loop surrounds us, and the downtown area placement of the Kiosk hope to draw people to the downtown. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Sale of corner of Main & Locust, IH property and Industrial Park. Alderman Strandberg made the motion for the City to be allowed to gage interest in surplus land the city owns of IH site, the Industrial Park, and Main & Locust parking lot. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned that a notice would be published for 3 consecutive weeks with one time each week. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Motion carried unanimous by voice vote. Work Order Number 0001 for SRPED and the City of Canton. Alderman Sarff made the motion enter into an agreement with Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development with pursuing grants for infrastructure at the former International Harvester site in the amount of additional $10,000, with revised total of $95,000. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Alderman Schenck said Mark Rothert was to make reports to the City of accounting of various activities, and we don’t have any of those reports. I will support this. Alderman Berardi said he would not support the agreement increase of $10,000 as Vandewalle & Associates are doing the same thing, and we don’t need another $10,000 to do this work. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 6 AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel – Alderman Larry Sarff, Chairman. Health Insurance Responsibilities. Alderman Sarff made the motion to have a proposal for individual duties for the Deputy Clerk at a salary of $34,000.00. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Discussion. Alderman Berardi said the history of the deputy clerk position was $21,000. Now an increase of $13,000 to work 8 hours with not deciding what the position has done. The deputy clerk position would be making more than the city 3 clerk, and this position of deputy clerk does not require that amount of money. If you have insurance problems call Health Alliance. Your asking for her boss to make less and the boss has more experience. We are sending a wrong message to our community. Alderman Sarff said, Joe, you throw out numbers, this job has software the city purchased of Human Resource work that Diana has taken on. Diana is doing a good job, and the position is good for the city. We are fortunate to have someone in the city that can take one on. Alderman Berardi said a few courses does not make the course. Alderman Sarff said my goal is to make this as a professional position within the city, with some continuity with a period of time. We had continuity for 20 years in three positions. We don’t have that now. This would be a clerical position with continuity. Alderman Berardi mentioned the issue is not on the agenda. Mayor Meade stated, we are approving the health insurance to be done in house with the deputy clerk. Alderman Nidiffer said he has been impressed with Diana and we could be looking at twice the amount of $34,000. Instead of having the employees going to the clerk, or attorney this will solve our problems by 50%. Mayor Meade said if this is approved tonight a ordinance will be sent to next week’s meeting for discussion. Alderman Berardi asked if the salary would be given to anyone else that comes into that position? Mayor Meade said it has to be set by council every year. Motion carried unanimous by voice vote. Maintenance Position. Alderman Sarff made the motion to allow the Public Works Director Clif O’Brien post the position of janitorial duties, and general duties of building and grounds. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. The motion was unanimous voice vote. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR KEVIN MEADE – Reminder of the TIF meeting at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday October 22, at the Depot. Will be discussing potential TIF taxing District. Basically it’s what we may want to do, or not do, with our TIF Districts. There will be no action taken. Went to Springfield yesterday where part of a group accepted “Hometown Award” for the City of the finalize director’s cup. There were eight categories that 4 are arranged by population and we were ranged in 15,000 to 20,000. This is for our seniors initiative put on by the Spoon River College. Leaf Program. Public Works Director Clif O’Brien said don’t put them out now. When you do, put them only on the terraces in another week or two. They will be picked up by the garbage route. This will be a five week program. Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer mentioned leaf burning must be natural growth only. Burning is allowed Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to dusk, and monitored full time, and be 20 feet from a structure. And has to be burnt on your property, and not in the street. Mayor Meade said we have a yard waste facility on Cedar Street. Originally there was to have CD’s bid opening, but was not on the agenda. Will send to Public Works & Sewer Committee next week. OLD BUSINESS: ORDINANCE – PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 65 ILCS 5-11-15.1e.seq. EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF THE CORPORATE AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF CANTON, ILLINOIS TO ENTER INTO ANNEXATION AGREEMENT WITH PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE WESTGATE SUBDIVISION, CANTON, ILLINOIS. Second reading, read by title. Alderman Sarff made the motion for the ordinance to be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being #1947. ORDINANCE – CREATING FUND 017 (ARTICLE 36 SEIZURES) AND FUND 018 (DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY) AND AMENDING THE FY 2008-2009 BUDGET TO REFLECT THE SAME. Second reading, read by title. Alderman West made the motion for the ordinance to be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Police Chief W. Dan Taylor mentioned under certain crimes and using your car to commit the crime, your vehicle can be seized. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being #1948. 5 ORDINANCE – PROVIDING WATER SERVICE TO PROPERTY LYING OUTSIDE THE CITY’S CORPORATE LIMITS WITHOUT REQUIRING AN ANNEXATION AGREEMENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-20-2 OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. Second reading, read by title. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion for the ordinance to be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being #1949. NEW BUSINESS: ORDINANCE – REPEALING SECTIONS 7(A) (2) AND 7(A) (5) OF TITLE 6, CHAPTER 4 OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. (VICIOUS ANIMALS). First reading, read by title. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to suspend the rules to pass the ordinance on first reading. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion the ordinance to be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Alderman Schenck made an amendment to repeal 7 (A) (5). Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Discussion. Alderman Schenck said 7 (A) (2) is not in conflict with the State Statute. Alderman Strandberg said he fears the ordinance is too vague and to broad. Alderman Nidiffer said he would not support an amendment, and wants to continue to look at the ordinance down the road. Alderman Schenck said if the ordinance is not amended, you might as well get rid of the entire section. If you don’t deal with it, you will deal with it after they attack. Roll call. (Amendment) AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Sarff. NAYS – Aldermen Berardi, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. 2 AYES, 5 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Amendment defeated. Alderman Schenck said he was glad to hear will revisit the ordinance. Staci Mayall of the Humane Society thanked the Aldermen, the police department and animal control officer for taking commend of animals running at large. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being #1950. 6 ORDINANCE – RE-ZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS. (E & M REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC.) First reading, read by title. Attorney John McCarthy mentioned that the property is at 825 Grant Place and is a warehouse Gil and Michelle Johnson will renovate into residential duplex. The Re-zoning request is for R-3. Mayor Meade said the Plat will be presented at next ‘s week’s meeting of Streets & Garbage Committee, since it was not on the agenda tonight. RESOLUTION – WATER PRE-ANNEXATION WITH LYLE & RUTH MASSINGALE. First reading, read by title. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to place the ordinance on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. The motion was by voice vote and unanimous. Resolution being #3870. RESOLUTION – AMENDING THE PERSONNEL POLICY FOR THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINIOS. First reading, read by title. Alderman Sarff made the motion the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Discussion. Mayor Meade explained that we need more discussion. The motion and second withdrawn. Mayor Meade stated the resolution will be sent to the Personnel Committee. RESOLUTION – APPROVING WORK ORDER #3 FOR CONTINUED BROWNFIELDS PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES BETWEEN VANDEWALLE & ASSOCIATES, AND THE CITY OF CANTON. First reading, read by title. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned this is for the work on the Northwest corner of the IH site and funded by US EPA Grant funds. Alderman Berardi said he had asked sometime before if Vandewalle & Associates are getting paid from the City? If Vandewalle & Associates are the ones that obtained the grants, why pay SRPED to seek grants? The resolution says this is for two years and before the agreement was always one year. Mayor Meade said we are not locked in. The administrative liaison is Mark Rothert. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented that Mark was not employed by the city. Alderman Berardi said he wanted to add on the names of the mayor and SRPED. 7 Interim City Treasurer Julie Smick said the bills are paid from the general fund, when the TIF generates enough funds, the city’s general fund will be reimbursed. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Resolution being #3871. EXECUTIVE SESSION - NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS – PERSONNEL; AND , PENDING LITIGATION. Mayor Meade said we would only need the Pending Litigation. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to go into executive session to discuss Pending Litigation. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. The motion was unanimous by voice vote. The regular scheduled council meeting convened into executive session at 7:46 p.m. The regular scheduled council meeting reconvened in open session at 8:12 p.m. ADJOURN There being no other business Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to adjourn the Council meeting at 8:12 p.m. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. Motion carried unanimous by voice vote. _________________________________, Nancy Whites, City Clerk APPROVED: _______________________________, Kevin Meade, Mayor 8 9