HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-08 Canton City Council Meeting Minutes
The Canton City Council meeting was held on November 18, 2008 in Council
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Chambers, at the Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with prayer given by
Mayor Kevin Meade.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade called for roll call at 6:30 p.m. Present - Aldermen Eric
Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, David Nidiffer, Pam Ihnes, Jason
Strandberg, Sonya Lewis. Absent – None.
Present - Mayor Kevin R. Meade, Deputy City Clerk Diana Tucker, Interim City
Treasurer Julie Smick, Police Chief W. Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer,
Public Works Director Cliff O’Brien, Wastewater Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Supt.
Greg Pollitt, Video Services by Joe Ginger.
In the audience Mark Rothert & Brenda Rothert, Jim Hartford, Attorney John
McCarthy, Kim Scott,. News Media of John Froehling from Daily Ledger, Mark
Bixler from WBYS.
CONSENT AGENDA
Treasurer’s Report
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Minutes of November 4, 2008 Council Meeting
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Minutes of November 12, 2008 Clerical Committee Meeting
Alderman Sarff made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Was duly
seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. The motion carried by voice vote, and was
unanimous.
BILLS.
Alderman Ihnes made the motion the bills be approved that was presented. 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.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE- Alderman Jason Strandberg, Chairman
IMLRMA Insurance Payment.
The IMLRMA insurance is due, and we have several different options on paying
the amount of $443,045.00. This is a large increase from last year by
approximately $80,000.00. This amount is not budgeted for the year. Alderman
Strandberg stated we would get a discount If paid this week. He noted this is not
possible at this point. Alderman Strandberg stated this would need to be
amended in the budget, and brought back to a committee next week. Alderman
Strandberg stated that an option would also be to pay in two payment plan. First
half would be paid in December, and the next half would be paid in June 2009.
This would allow time to budget. Alderman Berardi made a motion to send it to
Public Safety Committee, was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Attorney Chrissie
Peterson stated that this must be paid by December 12, 2008, coverage will
expire December 31, 2008. Motion was by voice vote and was unanimous.
LEGAL & ORDINANCE - Alderman David Nidiffer, Chairman
Council Action:
None.
COMMUNITY & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - Alderman Pamela Ihnes, Chairman
Create New TIF District.
Alderman Ihnes stated that discussion has been to create a new TIF district along
Locust and Main Street. Alderman Ihnes made a motion to create a new TIF, as
discussed along Locust and Main Street. Duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer.
Discussion: Alderman Berardi stated that no action could be taken on the
administration of the TIF, as this is not on the agenda. Alderman Berardi stated
that the only possible way would be down Locust, but not in the Lakeland area
and Main Street. Alderman Berardi recommended revisiting this in six months.
Mayor Kevin Meade clarified that this is the renewal of the current TIF district
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going down Locust Street, to 5 Avenue and up Main Street, including Lakeland.
Alderman Berardi wanted to amend the motion to eliminate the Main Street and
Lakeland area. The motion was duly seconded by Alderman Schenck.
All Motions made were withdrawn by Alderman Berardi, Alderman Ihnes,
Alderman Nidiffer, and Alderman Schenck.
Alderman Ihnes made a motion to send to Community and Industrial
Development Committee for next month to consider the creation of a TIF from
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the Industrial Park to 5 on Locust. This will help in getting bids for the new
reduced TIF. Motion was duly seconded by Alderman West. Motion by voice
vote and was unanimous.
Alderman Ihnes made a motion send back to Community and Industrial
Development Committee as a separate discussion to hire a consulting firm to
administer our existing TIF’s. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg.
Motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.
NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL - Alderman Larry Sarff, Chairman
Discussion of Finance/Budget Director.
Alderman Nidiffer stated that he is concerned that we get this financial position
filled. He states some areas point to an administrative assistant. Alderman
Nidiffer states he is concerned that the finance position be filled. He states that a
couple areas of the job description given to him has some concerns. Alderman
Berardi stated that he believes the city is in need of an administrator now. He
stated that large amounts of money is currently being lost due to the lack of
administration. He expressed a need for an administrator in the City. Alderman
Berardi recommends hiring a person to fill this need in the amount of $85,000.00.
Mayor Kevin Meade stated that for tonight’s purposes the position would be a
Finance/Budget Director position.
Alderman Berardi made a motion to have this position as a Finance/Budget
Director as the job description was presented. The motion was duly seconded by
Alderman Sarff. Discussion was made by Alderman Strandberg that he is
concerned that if we hire from the job description presented, we will have either
a solid financial person, or a solid administrator. These are two different jobs.
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Alderman Strandberg stated we need to focus on finance. Alderman Strandberg
stated we could possibly end up with a person that could do both – finance and
administration- but he does not think so.
Alderman Schenck stated that the motion would include advertising for the
position, and amending the budget. This position would also serve as the budget
officer.
Roll Call. AYES - Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West. NAYS - Aldermen
Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg, Lewis. Mayor Kevin Meade voted AYE. 5 AYES, 4
NAYS. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR KEVIN R. MEADE.
Mayor Kevin Meade stated that Julie Smick submitted a resignation from her
duties as Treasurer. Mayor Kevin Meade asked Julie to change the date from
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November 25 to December 2, 2008. Alderman Sarff made the motion to accept
Julie’s resignation for December 2, 2008. The motion was duly seconded by
Alderman Nidiffer. Motion by voice vote and was unanimous.
Planning and Zoning Appointment:
Mayor Kevin Meade submitted the names of Alan Dilts and Phil Fleming to fill the
vacancies. Motion was made by Alderman Strandberg the appointments be
confirmed. Motion was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Motion by voice
vote and was unanimous.
Hiring of Public Works—3 in garbage and 1 maintenance.
Mayor Kevin Meade presented the names of Zach McLaren, Cole Atchley, Steve
Oaks for the garbage truck. Motion was made by Alderman Sarff the
appointments be confirmed. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Motion by
voice vote and was unanimous.
Mayor Kevin Meade stated that Cliff O’Brien, Public Works Director would be
allowed to open the vacant position in the water department and post the
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position. Alderman Sarff made a motion to allow Cliff to post the vacant position
in the water department. The motion was duly seconded by Alderman
Strandberg. Motion by voice vote and was unanimous.
Mayor Kevin Meade stated that the attorney for the International Site was
previously discussed. He recommends appointing John Falleto as the attorney in
assistance in the International Harvester Site negotiations. Motion by Alderman
West the appointment of John Falleto be confirmed. Was duly seconded by
Alderman Strandberg. Motion by voice vote and was unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE – ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL DUTIES & COMPENSATION FOR
DEPUTY CLERK/DEPUTY TREASURER. Second reading, read by title. Motion by
Alderman Strandberg the ordinance be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded
by Alderman Berardi. Discussion. Alderman Nidiffer offered an amendment to
the ordinance for the salary be increased to $32,000.00. The motion was duly
seconded by Alderman Sarff. Discussion was made by Alderman Berardi that this
is a large raise. Starting at $25,000.00 two years ago to $32,000.00. Alderman
Berardi stated this is a large raise especially with the shape of the economy.
Alderman Schenck stated that the Circuit Clerk’s office pays lower than this
amount. Alderman Schenck stated that this should require special expertise. He
stated he thinks the $30,000 .00 is a fair amount.
Roll call to amend the ordinance from $30,000.00 to $32,000.00
AYES - Aldermen Lewis, Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff. NAYS - Aldermen
Berardi, Schenck. 6 AYES, 2 NAYS, O ABSENT. Motion carried 5-3.
Voting on the motion to pass the amended ordinance to $32,000.00
Roll Call. AYES - Aldermen Schenck, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg,
Lewis. NAYS - Alderman Berardi. Motion Carried. Ordinance being #1953.
ORDINANCE – PROVIDING FOR STOP SIGNS ON HOWARD PLACE AT THE
INTERSECTION OF HOWARD PLACE AND THIRD AVENUE. Second reading, read
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by title. Motion by Alderman Schenck the ordinance be placed on its passage.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Roll Call. AYES - Aldermen Lewis,
Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES,
0 NAYS, O ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being #1954.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE – AMENDING CHAPTER 8 (INTOXICATING LIQUORS) OF THE
CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. First reading, read by title.
ORDINANCE – RE-ZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CANTON. (GIL &
MICHELE M. JOHNSON.) First reading, read by title.
RESOLUTION – APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
OF CANTON AND WHITE OAK TAP, INC. First reading, read by title. Motion by
Alderman Schenck the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded by Alderman
Strandberg. Roll Call. AYES - Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes,
Strandberg, Lewis. NAYS - Alderman Sarff. 7 AYES, 1 NAY, 0 ABSENT. Motion
carried. Resolution being #3874.
RESOLUTION – APPLYING TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT ASSITANCE PROGRAM GRANT. Mayor Kevin Meade stated this
resolution would be withdrawn and will be on the agenda in two weeks as the
notice has to be in the paper 7 days before the public hearing.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
TO DISCUSS – PERSONNEL; PENDING LITIGATION.
Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to go into executive session for discussion of
Personnel and Pending Litigation. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg.
Motion by voice vote, and was unanimous.
The regular scheduled Council meeting convened into executive session at 7:25
p.m.
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The minutes of the executive session for Pending Litigation; Personnel; are on file
with the City Clerk’s office for your review.
The regular scheduled council meeting reconvened in open session at 8:26 p.m.
ADJOURN
There being no other business Alderman Strandberg made the motion to adjourn.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. Motion by voice vote, and was
unanimous. The council meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
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Nancy Whites, City Clerk
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Diana Tucker, Deputy Clerk
APPROVED:
____________________________,
Kevin R. Meade, Mayor
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