Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-13-09 Clerical Committee Meeting MinutesThe Canton City Council Clerical Committee meeting was held on January 13, 2009 in Council Chambers at the Historic Depot, 50 North 4t" Avenue, Canton, Illinois. Aldermen attending -Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, Pamela Ihnes, Jason Strandberg, Sonya Lewis. Absent -Alderman Nidiffer, he resigned his position of Alderman from Ward 3, and effective January 1, 2009. Others attending -Mayor Kevin R. Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, Deputy Clerk Diana Tucker, City Treasurer Aaron Anderson, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief W. Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Cliff O'Brien, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, Street Department Supt. George Spahn, Video Services by Joe Ginger. In the audience was news media of John Froehling from Daily Ledger and Mark Bixler from WBYS radio, and Wendy Martin from The Democrat, Kim Scott, Michelle Martin, Attorney Robin Bocuher, SRPED Executive Director Mark Rothert, Brenda Rothert, Gerald Ellis, and three individuals from Outskirts Bar & Grille. FINANCE -ALDERMAN JASON STRANDBERG, CHAIRMAN. Bills. Alderman Berardi complained as the bills do not go to the committee they are under. We just got the bills tonight, and he ask City Clerk Nancy Whites why they were not in the packets? Nancy commented they were not ready when she left work at 5:05 p.m. due to waiting on some bills to be added to the list. Mayor Kevin R. Meade commented that you can pass them on to council with no recommendation. Alderman Berardi asked if Rachel Rose is done? Alderman Lewis said this is her last bill, and she is done. Alderman Strandberg and Alderman Berardi ask if Rachel will come back, and who will continue with this? Alderman Lewis said I am still the chairman of the committee and Sonya said she will be discussing some issues with Keith Plavec. Alderman Lewis did not feel that Rachel would be coming back with any suggestions or ideas. 1 Alderman Sarff made the motion to send the bills to council without recommendation. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. The motion was by unanimous voice vote. Treasurer's Report. City Treasurer Aaron Anderson talked about the November report. The year to date revenues and expenditures only leave $125,000. The State of Illinois was behind paying us the State Income Tax. The general government expenditures are awful high compared to the budgets. We are at 79% % spending in the Budget, and we should be around 52%. Reason being, we're well over on legal services due to IH and TIF 4A. We budgeted $50,000 and also the contractual is over. Money is there I just need to make the necessary transfers. December Treasurer's report. The revenues are still behind expenditures by about $117,000. Part of the reason, we paid Illinois Municipal League Risk Management $280,000. Alderman Sarff asked Aaron, those bills over the budgets, ask the department heads what they are, and where we will be by the end of this fiscal year. Alderman Berardi asked Aaron if he had done any work on the decline of sales taxes? What are you projecting? Aaron said he looked at last year's sales tax revenue, we are almost $100,00 above this time last year. Alderman Berardi asked, what is our monthly sales tax revenues? Aaron answered, has been $210,000 for each month of November and December. Alderman Schenck ask if the city council members could have a draft of the Budget for next week's meeting? Mayor Kevin R. Meade said we will have it for you. Also, Alderman Schenck added, each new development we have in the TIF District, like White Oaks new building, Peterson new business of Assisted Living, and the Canton Cook project. All those taxes from these businesses goes into the TIF. Alderman Berardi mentioned that the stimulus funds that President Elect Obama is offering, not to pay off any bills. z Alderman Sarff made the motion to send on council to approve the Treasurer's Report. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. The motion was by unanimous voice vote. IDOT/Economic Development TARP Agreement. Keith Plavec reported this is an Agreement made and entered into between the local agency hereinafter referred to as "LA", and the State of Illinois, acting by and through its Department of Transportation, hereinafter referred to as "STATE" and LA jointly propose to improve the designated location as shown below. The streets are Third Avenue and Maple Street of 1,968 feet. And Third Avenue from Elm Street to Maple Street. From Maple Street from 3" Avenue to Stn Avenue. Total dollar amount $2,014,862. NOTE 1. The STATE will reimburse the LA for eligible EDP construction and engineering costs of the project subject to a maximum of $1007431. 2. 80,000 Ib Truck Access Road Program -There is available a lump sum amount of $0.00 to be applied solely to construction costs. 3. Any remaining balance shall be the responsibility of the LA In the event EDP and TARP funds are not sufficient to cover the project costs. Keith Plavec said this ties the City and the State together for the taxing million grant dollars. This is a match for the IH property regarding 3rd Avenue from Elm Street to Maple, and Maple from 3rd to 5t" Avenue, back to curb. What will follow is the agreement between the City and Maurer Stutz Inc, at the next Public Works Meeting. Alderman Sarff made the motion refer to council. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. The motion was by unanimous voice vote. The Finance Committee adjourned at 7:09 p.m. LEGAL & ORDINANCE - NO CHAIRMAN Tattoo Ordinance. 3 Alderman Ihnes said she had received phone calls of concern citizens that might be good idea to require Tattoo business having liability insurance. Since this can affect the health of the individual. Alderman Sarff what do other municipalities do? And this is not for the city, this should be up to the business. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson stated, Rex Still from the Fulton County Health Department came to a committee meeting in September of 2007 and talked about new laws passed on licensing through the State of Illinois. Other issues brought up were no person under 18 may be tattooed except by a physician. We don't have any requirement for any licensing under the age 18. Should have to see proof of issued ID. Was suggested the city tweet the ordinance for better requiring of record keeping. Alderman Ihnes made the motion to have the city attorney bring a draft ordinance having inserted have to show proof of issued ID; and cannot be under the age 18. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. The motion was by unanimous voice vote. Body Piercing. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented that both Tattoo parlors in town approached Alderman Nidiffer and myself to see if the city had any thoughts of changing or revising the ordinance for body piercing to be allowed. My suggestion was perhaps have something in writing to council, and I don't know if they did that. Right now we only allow the piercing of ear lobes. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said we do allow under medical supervision. This is a very strict issue. No one from both Tattoo parlors were present at the meeting. Alderman Schenck said he seen a catalog, and they are pretty intense. These are not simple routine. Some of them made me shiver. We need to be careful how we expand our ordinances. Elm Street Sins (Proposed changes to Sign Ord. -referred from 12-9-08. 4 Alderman Ihnes mentioned this was referred to this committee by Alderman Nidiffer. Alderman Schenck said there may be something we can do. The Review Committee is mentioned in the Municipal Code Book that puts that committee in charge of construction projects. Another part of the ordinance, the Review committee can consult with council. This can tie in with the downtown streetscape plan. We can describe the sod area, or have policy of that sod zone. This is to help us provide more direction. Class B Liquor License. Alderman Sarff commented that there are some questions about different classes of liquor licenses, and the usage. May want to put on a moratorium of issuance of Class B license until such time we are to make, if any, changes. Alderman Berardi said he had called the State of Illinois Liquor Commission and they told him it's against the law to sell liquor at a loss. That's another thing to look at. This has to be followed up by our city attorney. Joe will get Chrissie the phone number and the person he talked with. Alderman Strandberg asked, if they gave any ideas? Alderman Berardi said, you do an audit. Alderman Sarff said, in our Class A licenses people serving alcohol are bartenders and they have a license. How is alcohol served in a restaurant. Can anyone go back and mix a drink or draw a beer? And anyone over 18 or 21? Do you have to have a license? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson answered, you have to have one license bartender on the premises for a Class B or Class D license. Alderman Sarff said, that was brought up, and also changing of the hours of serving liquor at 11:00 o'clock. Alderman Berardi asked if you have a bartender license can you be outside when alcohol is served inside? 5 City Attorney Chrissie Peterson answered, it says on the premises, so you can be outside, yes! Alderman Berardi asked if there is an age limit to serve liquor? City Attorney Chrissie Peterson answered, you can be under 21 years of age if your serving in the course of your employment. Alderman Schenck said he wanted to talk about the new section of the Liquor Ordinance under Bartender exception for Class B and D. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson answered, a Private Club license holder, you have to be a member of those organizations. This only applies to a Class B license. Alderman Schenck said he feels the ordinance should be more clear. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said, that's simply fixed. Chrissie said she has not had any complaints from the Liquor Commission or anyone else. Alderman Schenck said the exemptions only apply to bartender, which is the only one having the license. I don't feel that is our intend. Alderman Sarff said, clearly clean some areas we may want to be looking at in this ordinance. Alderman Sarff made a motion, I want to hold over to the next Legal & Ordinance Committee to look at those sections, specially of bartender license, and classifications, and what Alderman Schenck brought up, and possibility of changing the hours of a Class B license selling alcohol; and, for next week, put moratorium on the issuance of a Class B license until, either change the ordinance, or leave as is. The motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said, Ari's has a liquor license, but they are not serving alcohol. The next Liquor Commission meeting will be held January 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the Depot, 50 North 4t" Avenue. Building Inspector/profession property management-Contractors/Certificates of Insurance. Alderman Berardi commented that why not require liability insurance for our contractors. We have yet to see if we have the license to do these inspections. 6 And I want to see the reports on electric, sewer, and purchase orders on inspections. Alderman Schenck suggested having Keith Plavec and Cliff O'Brien making inspections and give the qualifications and duties of the job. Keith Plavec said we aren't state license. Keith said he contacted East Peoria, they have license plumber, does part-time electrical and mechanical inspections. Pekin has three full time, each do one of the inspections. Ask Peoria if would do for Canton, and they said no! There is no money in it. We need to come up with some solution for residential and commercial. Alderman Berardi said he talked with State Plumber, and, was told, they would gladly come and talk to us. Alderman Schenck said the first thing we do - 1. Requirements. 2. Finding qualified person. 3. Fee structure. Mayor Kevin R. Meade read the following - It is with regrets that I have to inform you that I will no longer be able to conduct building inspections for the City of Canton. The opportunities and experiences I have had with you and your staff have been truly remarkable. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to serve the citizens of Canton over the last ten years. As a business owner in the City of Canton, I can no longer afford the continued harassment from Mr. Berardi. His opinions, although as farfetched as they are, affect me not only personally but professionally. My family and I have invested a great deal of resources to relocate and operate our business in the City of Canton. We want to continue to be a positive asset to the city and the community, and feel that separating ourselves from Mr. Berardi is in the best interest of our business. If I can be of any assistance to yourself or the City of Canton in the future, please feel free to contact me at anytime. Again, Thank You for everything that you have done for myself, my family, and our business. Sincerely, Tony Fahrenbruch, President TRAC Equipment Company, INC. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said for all department heads to have a copy of their licenses. It is time to begin discussing the Code Enforcement position as Dustin Pollitt is being tested for the position of new police officer. Alderman Berardi said he talked with Fulton County Board to see if we can share plumbing inspection. Easley Mechanical can do electrical work. I see no conflict here. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said he talked with Ed Ketchum the County Board chairman and they are in the process of hiring a building inspector. Alderman Sarff suggested, need each to have insurance coverage and minimum amount from all contractors. Can have on Legal & Ordinance next month. Alderman Berardi suggested Keith Plavec to handle the inspections. Keith said he was not qualified, and he did say he could check on qualifications of buildings to see if they are following the guidelines. The Legal & Ordinance Committee adjourned at 7:55 p.m. COMMUNITY & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - ALDERMAN PAM IHNES, CHAIRMAN. New TIF Creation. Alderman Ihnes said this was for the creation of a new TIF on Route 9, and a new TIF Industrial Park. Will pass on and won't have any additional discussion. s Hotel/Motel Tax Summary of expenditures by SRPED. Mark Rothert had given out a memo of the following - BACKGROUND In April 2008, the City Council approved funding to the SRPED to help establish and support various activities and projects associated with either the SRPED, Chamber of Commerce or Canton Main Street to attract tourism or overnight stays in the community. FINANCIAL IMPACT The City Council budgeted $30,205 for all of these events and projects. One remaining project is still underway, the Canton "Profile" magazine, which has a budget of $5,000. We estimate that once expenses for the Profile magazine are paid, there will be unexpended funds totaling approximately $3,300. These funds will be remitted back to the City of Canton. MAJOR COMMUNITY IMPACT It has been a successful year for these events and while we cannot estimate with total accuracy how many people came to Canton, events like the Cruise-In and tractor Show were extremely well attended and Chalk the Walk Sidewalk Sales, Mother's Day Extravaganza, Music in the Park, Spoon River Drive, Halloween Munchkin Masquerade, and the Old Fashioned Christmas Walk help bring hundreds of people to the community and our downtown. RECOMMENDATION No action required. End of Mark Rothert's memo. Alderman Schenck said he liked this approach of how you're doing things. I want you to continue and put a package together that gives us visibility and the best bang for our buck. Alderman Strandberg told Mark Rothert he appreciates what he has done also. 9 Alderman Sarff asked Mark if you get feedback from the Chamber? Missy Tower the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director said they do. And because of these events the downtown businesses really reap the benefits. Alderman Schenck suggested if there is any way to channel the class reunions. Alderman Berardi suggested having soft ball tournaments. That brings people. Illinois River Road National Scenic Bvwav annual funding request. Mark Rothert Executive Director SRPED gave out a memo of the following - BACKGROUND Since 2006, Canton has been a "Gateway Community" on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway. As such the City of Canton has helped fund the Byway to develop the region as a premiere destination for tourists. Moreover, Alderman Schenck and I serve on the Byway Board of Directors, providing a solid link between Canton and the rest of the Byway. The Byway again is asking its Gateway Communities for their annual support. FINANCIAL IMPACT Funds to support the Byway can come from the Hotel-Motel Tax Fund. The amount requested is $7,200. MAJOR COMMUNITY IMPACT Support of the Byway encourages more tourists and overnight stays in Canton, thus injecting more "outside" dollars into our local economy. Involvement in the Byway creates a better connection to the Peoria area, raising Canton's reputation and standing. RECOMMENDATION Approval. End of Mark Rothert's memo. Zo Alderman Sarff made the motion to send on to council for approval of $7,200. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion was by unanimous voice vote. Retail Analysis opportunity with Teaska & Associates. Mark Rothert the Executive Director, SRPED memo states the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois and the EDC Retail Strategy Group is in the process of accepting sites to be included in an upcoming Central Illinois retail Study. The EDC has recently hired the consulting firm of Teska and Associates, Inc. to perform a Retail Study of several sites throughout the Central Illinois region. The Retail Study will provide the information needed for successful retail attraction efforts including detailed information regarding retail potential for each targeted development/redevelopment site, leakage analyses, customer profiles, recommendations of specific retailers that meet local customer demand, and prepare custom marketing packages for targeted retailers. The study will develop focused strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of the sites and their respective communities. The consulting firm will work with communities to help to devise strategies to attract and retain retail. They will work to understand the needs of both residents and businesses to provide economic development opportunities for the community. The SRPED is prepared to indicate to the EDC that we would like to have Canton included in their study. The cost per site is based on the number of sites participating in the study. The EDC is targeting a minimum of 9 sites, at an estimated cost of $5,000 - $6,000 per site. Funds to participate in the study will be paid out of the SRPED Local Planning Grant received by DCEO. A study of this kind will provide another tool for the SRPED and City to bring additional retail development and jobs to the community, especially in light of the Cook Canton project. 11 No action required. City's Canton Daily Ledger advertisement. Alderman Ihnes said do we want to extend our contract to be on their website for a total of $1,200? Mark Rothert said the Daily Ledger reaches the Canton area and would recommend not to renew it. This is nothing against the Ledger. Alderman Sarff made the motion to recommend not to do it. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion was by unanimous voice vote. Update. Mark said he met with staff on the Canton Cook Company Project, and what this means to us. It's a secondary impact of how far reaching it will go. 2009 listing of ten endangering historical landmark property. One is Lewis Pharmacy and was submitted to Landmark of Illinois. Met with potential businessman planning on expansion of business not now here. Working on economic stimulus package request. Working on a US EDA grant for City's match of funding for the IH Site. DCEO working on grant for sods in the downtown. Need to pass an ordinance next week to approve TIF Administration Contract. Alderman Schenck wanted to know if the Comprehensive Plan has been recorded at the courthouse, and if not, should be? Was told no, was not recorded. Alderman Berardi said we should give support to the new coal mine. The Community & Industrial Development Committee adjourned at 8:31 p.m. NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL - ALDERMAN LARRY SARFF, CHAIRMAN. 1z Personnel Policy -Health Insurance. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson stated that effective May 1, 2009, employees will contribute 20% of the premium cost for the healthcare plan elected by the employee of single or family coverage. That is the only change. Alderman Sarff asked about the retirees? Alderman Strandberg made the motion to recommend council amend the employee handbook. Was duly seconded by Alderman Lewis. The motion was by unanimous voice vote. The Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel Committee adjourned at 8:34 p.m. No motion nor second was given to adjourn the Clerical Committee meeting. Recording Secretary, Nancy Whites, City Clerk 13