HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-2001 Mechanical
Mechanical Committee Minutes
City Council Chambers @ Historic Depot
May 22, 2001 - 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Bob Molleck, Jo Anne Shores, David Nidiffer, Kevin Meade
Others Present: Mayor Jerry M. Bohler, Attorney Ron Weber, Craig West, Larry Sarff,
Mary Fillingham, Jim Hartford, Steve White, Gary Orwig, Clif O'Brien, Chief Elam,
Chief Stanko, Clark Wilson, George Spahn, Linda Caudle, Patty Franzoni, Bill Phillips,
John Froehling, Michael Noyes, Harlan Banister
Public Safety & Traffic Committee
Robert Molleck, Chairman
Mayor Bohler opened the meeting to introduce the 1~` televised committee meeting and
gave an introduction to the meeting schedule that the community will be viewing on
Channel 3, in cooperation with Joe Ginger Video Service.
Chief Elam distributed the monthly police report and gave thanks to the odd fellows for
their participation and support of the DARE Program.
Chief Elam suggested that, due to the elimination of funding from the 911 Board, the
city does not fill the position created by the recent retirement of a telecommunicator. He
said the department has been operating several weeks without this position and still has
two telecommunicators on duty during peak call hours. He also suggested that the
current language in the ordinance remain the same. There were no objections. Alderman
Molleck stated that this is a management decision and since no change is requested in the
ordinance, action is not required by the committee.
Chief Stanko provided the monthly fire and ESDA report and stated that their emergency
call load was up again this month by 6%.
Dr. Fred Schrofov, who practices dentistry in the Opera House with Dr. McKone,
addressed the committee to request a handicap parking space in front of the building next
to the alley. It was noted that when Mr. Huber completes the parking lot at the back of
the building, there will be handicap parking available. The next agenda item is another
handicap parking request on the 8t'' Avenue side of the East Side Church of the Nazarene.
Alderman Molleck suggested that Clif O'Brien and Chief Elam look at both areas and
provide their recommendations to the council. Clark Wilson will contact Mr. Huber and
ask when the back parking lot will be completed and will also report to council. No
action required by the committee at this time.
Chief Elam explained his 2nd, 5-year fleet plan and asked the committee to allow it to
continue. Several aldermen commented on what a good plan it proved to be with savings
to the city. Chief Elam asked permission to purchase two marked police vehicles and two
unmarked police vehicles. He also requested that he continue the overhead red light
replacement program with the purchase of the two units for~he marked police cars. A
detailed written report was distributed. A Motion was made by Alderman Nidiffer,
seconded by Alderman Shores to authorize Chief Elam to purchase two police vehicles at
$22,224 each and to order two Ford Taurus unmarked units at a cost of $14,865 each by
June 1 ~` to avoid a price increase and to allow the purchase of two new overhead red light
units and sell two vehicles currently in the fleet. Voice vote, motion carried.
No other business was discussed. The Public Safety and Traffic Committee adjourned.
Streets & Garbage Committee
Jo Anne Shores, Chairman
Clif O'Brien provided a copy of the specifications, and advertisement for fuel bids. The
bid will be for three months, June, July and August, for all city tanks. A Motion was
made by Alderman Molleck, seconded by Alderman Nidiffer to allow Public Works to
advertise for fuel bids in the local newspaper and the Peoria Journal Star. Under
discussion it was noted that bids will be opened at the next Council meeting. Voice vote,
motion carried.
Clif O'Brien announced that the Street and Garbage Departments will conduct GABBY
Days June 23`d and 24~', (Sat. & Sun.) Left over items will be picked up the following
week beginning Monday. Items the City will not pick up due to restrictions by the
landfill, include batteries, yard waste, appliances, TV's, tires, and demolition materials.
There were no objections to holding GABBY Days.
Clif O'Brien informed the committee about Motor Fuel Tax Work for this year and
explained there are several funding sources, which include STU, FAU and LAPP. Clif
provided a packet of information and maps outlining the differently funded projects and
areas in need of repair. He asked the councilmen to look at the maps and make a decision
where the money should be spent. He feels the south zone and Fairview Heights are both
in need of repairs this year. Mayor Bohler added that he feels the south end of town has
been neglected. Most work will be hot sand seal. 1~ Avenue and Oak Street, if done this
year, would require milling and a 1 '/Z inch overlay. This information will be reviewed by
the councilmen and discussed at the Finance Committee Meeting.
Alderman Molleck asked to bring to the committee's attention, the upcoming sale of land
by the Nature Conservancy. He received a call from Senator Shadid who said all of the
legislators are in favor of the State purchasing the land but the governor is not as
supportive. Senator Shadid asked if the City would send a proclamation supporting the
State purchase of the Nature Conservancy property, and send it to the Governor.
Alderman Molleck added that the State would turn the land into a nature preserve. A
Motion was made by Alderman Nidiffer, seconded by Alderman Shores to send a
proclamation to the Governor in support of the State purchasing Nature Conservancy's
property that will be sold in this area. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes -Alderman
Molleck, Shores, Nidiffer, Hartford, Sarff, West, Fillingham. Nays -none Absent -
Alderman Meade. Motion unanimous.
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Linda Caudle informed the committee that she attended a'~fieeting today of a newly
formed group to promote tourism in Fulton and Mason Counties in conjunction with the
Emigon Project in Havana. The University of Illinois Economic Development Extension
Group is also involved in the organization of this tourism committee. They will be
seeking grant funds to do a study to map out a tourism area related to Nature Preserves
and Hunting and Fishing in communities near the Illinois River. Linda will report back
as this group progresses.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds Committee
David Nidiffer, Chairman
Jeanine Murphy, representing the Black Diamond Archery Club addressed the committee
with an interest in the club leasing the ground formerly leased by the Canton Motorcycle
Club. She provided background information about the organization and answered
questions from the aldermen. Club members contacted the area residents with no
objections to the ground being leased. The Club has liability insurance and is inspected
on a regular basis. Ben Bishop teaches hunter safety classes through the club and they
have an annual benefit shoot for charity. Alderman Sarff stated he does not have a
problem with leasing to the Club but doesn't want to get locked into a long term
commitment. Alderman Molleck stated he was glad to see someone interested in
cleaning up the area and using it. A Motion was made by Alderman Meade, seconded by
Alderman Molleck to approve the concept of a lease with the Black Diamond Archery
Club and have attorney Weber draw up a lease with an emergency cancellation clause
and bring it before the next council meeting. Under discussion, Steve White added that
most of the items in the previous lease would cover what needs to be addressed. Voice
vote, motion carried.
Mayor Bohler informed the committee of an emergency situation that now exists with the
Dahm Hall Building on East Elm and 1~` Avenue. This afternoon a large portion of the
roof blew off damaging two vehicles. Bill Phillips, architect, was called in immediately
to assess the situation. Bill Phillips addressed the committee and showed pictures of the
building as it now stands. He reported the cornice at the top is deformed inward. The
chimneys are leaning inward at a 30-degree angle. The second and third floors are no
longer present. He feels the structure could collapse at any time. He and Chief Elam
believe the streets should be blocked off and some nearby businesses be closed. Mr.
Phillips said the building should come down immediately. The owners have been
contacted and are willing to cooperate but do not have the funds available for demolition.
Attorney Weber advised them to obtain legal counsel. The City will go to court
tomorrow to demolish the building due to the emergency that exists. Contractors have
been contacted and are working on this situation and will report to the City tonight or
tomorrow. This situation may compromise the Nelson Building next door. Clark Wilson
has been in contact with Mr. Nelson to see if he will consider taking down his building at
the same time Dahm Hall is demolished. A Motion was made by Alderman Nidiffer,
seconded by Alderman Molleck to give full council support to any action required by the
Mayor to act on this emergency and move forward with demolition procedures. Roll Call
Vote: Ayes: Aldermen Molleck, Shores, Nidiffer, Meade, Hartford, Sarff, West,
Fillingham. Nays: None. Motion unanimous.
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Mayor Bohler addressed his concerns for the businesses i~that area and asked the
committee if they would have any objections to offering the Historic Depot for use by the
Palm Cafe for the events he has already planned at his restaurant during the time he will
be required to be closed due to this situation. There were no objections, however,
according to City policy, no wine or other alcoholic beverages may be served at the
Depot. Mayor Bohler will contact the Palm Cafe to offer use of the Depot.
Harlan Banister reported on a quote the City received on a new back up generator for the
city halUpolice station. The generator will power the entire building and will be installed
at the west end of the parking lot. Altorfer supplied a reduced municipality quote of
$71,845 fora 12 cylinder Caterpillar unit. Alderman Sarff questioned whether the City
needs to spend additional money to power the entire building, versus emergency power
only for 911. Bill Phillips explained that providing emergency power to only certain
areas would cost an additional $30,000 in providing the proper electrical system and he
felt that additional money would be better served by putting it into a larger unit that
would serve the entire building. Mayor Bohler was concerned that this additional
$71,000 was not included in the original cost of remodeling when the public was
informed. He asked if there would be any more costs in the remodeling of the building
that were not discussed. Mr. Banister said that there would be additional costs in the
phone system, which was not included. A Motion was made by Alderman Molleck,
seconded by Alderman Shores to waive the bids to purchase this generator as it is a
specialty item. Voice vote, motion carried. A Motion was made by Alderman Molleck,
seconded by Alderman Shores to allow Harlan Banister to accept the bid from Altorfer
for $71,845 for a back up generator for city halUpolice station. Voice vote, motion
carried.
Alderman Sarff announced that there would be a negotiations meeting next Tuesday May
29~' at 6:30 p.m. at the Depot.
The Committee adjourned.
Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee
Kevin Meade, Chairman
There were no items discussed under the Public Works Water and Sewer Committee, and
the committee adjourned.
Recorded by Linda Caudle
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