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Home My WebLink About06-07-2011 Council Meeting Minutes A regular meeting of the Canton City Council was held on lune 7, 2011 in the Council Chambers, The Donald E. Edwards Way-50 North 4`h Avenue, Canton, Illinois 61520. Aldermen in attendance: Aldermen Jeff Fritz, Eric Schenck, Jim Hartford, Dave Pickel, Justin Nelson, Craig West and Gerald Ellis Aldermen absent: Staff in attendance: City Treasurer Aaron Anderson, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Mayor Kevin Meade, City Administrator Jim Snider, City Clerk Diana Tucker, Deputy Police Chief Rick Nichols, Interim Fire Chief Ernie Russell, City Engineer Keith Plavec, Mark Rothert, ESDA Director Phil Fleming. Media in attendance: Daily Ledger-John Froehling, Daily Ledger Larry Eskridge Video Services by Joe Ginger Others in the audience: Ron Dilts, Jim Essex, Russ Manock, Carol Markley, Mary Medus, Roberta Fletcher, Kenny Fuller, Joe Cooper, Betty Manock, Dan Oaks, Linda Maserati, Scott Roos, Charles, Devlin, Tony Plumer, Dick Grove, Jay Smith, John McCarthy, Brad Soland, Jeremy Pasley PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENED THE MEETING FOLLOWED BY THE INVOCATION GIVEN BY PASTOR WHITE WITH THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x CONSENT AGENDA Minutes of Council meetin~ held Mav 17, 2011 Minutes of Mechanical Committee meetine held Mav 24. 2011 Motion and second was made by Aldermen Hartford/Pickel to accept the minutes as presented and be placed on file. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Public Particination Samuel Smith- Lake Lease Not Present Brenda Dilts- Resolution to support position of CACEI- withdraw citv support of North Canton LLC Brenda Dilts addressed the Council with the following: You have been given a letter from CACEI requesting that you direct the Mayor of Canton to withdraw City's support of the mine to be located in Canton and Orion Township, less than 2 miles east of North State Route 78 as one goes either on Brereton Road or Cypress Road. The mine would be in a portion of Copperas Creek watershed which is the primary fed for Canton Lake. The pictures given to you are of industry mine showing a stream with lime being added to neutralize the pollution, coal ash sitting on the ground with no cover (air pollution) and trees destroyed. North Canton mine permit # 385 is under the corporate umbrella of the same company mining industry mine. This company is registered as a LLC, Limited Liability Company. The attorney general has filed suit against the IEPA and Springfield Coal Company regarding the 300 clean water violations. The case is still in the courts. At the public hearing held in October 2006, the mine representative and other persons spoke about the economic benefits of jobs, number of employees and salaries, spin off jobs, supplies etc. I am here to remind you of the other side of the proverbial coin. There is a cost to the city, the county and the residents to have this mine located within the fastest growing area of Fulton County Canton Township. This is not a typical rural area- within this area bounded by route 78 north Brereton Road, Cypress Road and back to North Main Street are approximately 150 households according to Polk City Directory. If we had counted the households around the Lake area, and in Canton we would be talking about 1000's of homes. There are many new homes built since 2006 including subdivisions and businesses in the immediate area. More homes and businesses are in the planning stages for this area. These properties represent tax dollars that go for schools and roads, sheriff department, emergency services and tourism. There is the loss of tax dollars from farming everything from the cost of preparing the land for planting to the cost of harvesting the crops which includes salaries of workers in the various companies that it takes to plant and harvest. Like mining, farmers purchase machinery, vehicles, parts, fuel, tires etc as the mine does. This is a loss of sales tax to Canton and vicinity. It would be helpful if one would go back and read the transcript of the public hearing held in October 2006. The hype about jobs overshadowed the cost to the residents, the City and County in the form of taxes, the disturbance of people's air and water quality, and disturbance from mine activity noise, blasting and the large number of industrial trucks traveling through neighborhoods and the heart of downtown Canton. Paraphrasing a quote of Winston Churchill, "The era of procrastination, half measurers of soothing and baffling expedients of delays is coming to a close. In its place we are entering a period of consequence." There are consequences to the destruction of the land. I am asking- are a few jobs for the short term worth the long term recovery period? Look around us, how long has it been since the mines left the area and we still have land that hasn't been utilized to provide property taxes based development or for the good of the community. This city government body needs to take another look at the changing happenings in our town and area. It is much different than 5 years ago. It is too important of an issue to let it go by without a second look. Please take your time to get this issue right. Gre~ Arnett- North Canton Mine My name is Greg Arnett. I am a licensed professional engineer and the President of Black Nugget, LLC. My company provides contract mining services for Grindstone Management at the North Grindstone Mine which is located near Industry, Illinois. I am speaking to you tonight on behalf of Capital resources Development Company, LLC regarding the North Canton Mine. I am also speaking to you as a small business owner that wants the North Canton Mine venture to become a reality in the Fulton County community. It's been nearly five years since I first spoke to you about the North Canton Mine. The timeline since then speaks to how much time, work and review our state and federal agencies put into the decisions they make about issuing mining permits. So far 14 permits have been issued. Those permits were issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mining Safety and Health Administration. Work is still underway on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency permit. Each agency independently reviews the project with their own engineers, specialists, and professionals to ensure that all rules and regulations are addressed. When issued, these permits do not simply allow mining to begin. They require a commitment to environmental protection throughout the life of the mining project. This commitment is regularly monitored by the same agencies that issued the permits to ensure that the mine operator is complying with regulatory standards. The value of this project to Canton and the Fulton County community has not gone unnoticed by the public. Nearly 2,500 people have signed a petition of support for the North Canton Mine. I don't know of a single business owner who opposes it. There are many who support it, including: • Mike Hitchcock, owner of Hitchcock Scrap Yard • John Davis, owner of Davis Ford and Davis Buick-GMC • Kim Newburn, owner of American Grille • Steve Slaight, owner of Slaight's Car Corner and • Joe Davis, owner of Davis Sand and Gravel These business people support the mine because it will benefit our local economy, and what's good for our economy is good for all local businesses. When we in Canton think of successful business people, one person always stands out: Bill Cook. You all know about Mr. Cook's success, and how generous he has been to our community. Mr. Cook voiced his support for the North Canton Mine at a public speaking engagement at the YMCA in 2010. He knew that new mining jobs are an opportunity for our younger generation to stay in their hometown and build a life. From a personal standpoint, I, as a small business operator, realize the importance of spending money locally. There are at least 30 local businesses that my company purchases goods and services from to keep the mining operation running in McDonough County. This money, in turn, rolls throughout the local community to fortify the economy of the region. There is every reason to believe that the North Canton Mine will do the same. Our community is moving in a positive direction, and the North Canton Mine will add to the momentum. The jobs at the mine will pay good head-of-household wages. The spinoff economic impact is tremendous and will lead to more job creation. Our county's unemployment rate is higher than the state average, and we have already seen a lot of interest in the blue-collar jobs at the mine. I will leave you with one final thought. Coal mining today is done much differently than it was in the past. Coal mining today is done with environmental protection as a guiding principle. I urge you to stay the course and allow the state and federal agencies that oversee mining to decide whether this mine will be permitted. The project should be judged only on its merits. I thank you for allowing me this time to address the council on this important issue. I can answer any questions you may have at any time. I would also welcome the opportunity to meet with you, Mr. Mayor, or any council member individually to address any specific questions you may have. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Safetv & Traffic - A/derman Jim Hartford, Chairman Warnin~ Siren Alderman Hartford recommends accepting the bid from Ragen Communication in the amount of $31,905.00 and waive the $20,000.00 requirement. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Nelson to approve the purchase of the warning siren. ROLL CALL Ves No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Le~islative Triq- Mavor Meade Motion and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Pickel to approve the legislative trip on June 15, 2011 for Mayor Meade in the amount of $2500.00. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried TJ's Diner Grease Trap Motion and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Pickel to have the city attorney draft a letter that would give 10 days from tomorrow to correct the violation of having the grease trap on the public right of way or they would receive a violation. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Resi~nation of ESDA Coordinator Alderman Hartford explained that he received a letter of resignation from the ESDA Director Phil Fleming. Streets and Garba~e- Alderman Justin Nelson. Chairman MFT Sidewalk Pro~ram Keith Plavec explained that currently $5,000.00 is in the budget for the program. Discussion previously took place regarding increasing this amount up to $10,000.00. Keith explained that this would be a decision for the Council. Alderman Schenck discussed the possibility of having any excess funds placed into the program if the need for additional funds would arise. The program will usually fund 4-6 people. Currently 11 people have expressed an interest. Mayor Meade suggested reviewing the applications and coming back next month to make a decision on the amount of funds needed based upon the requests submitted. A right of way permit is required. Lake, Buildin4s & Grounds - Alderman Eric Schenck, Chairman North Shore and Other Lake Lot Issues Motion and second was made by Aldermen Schenck/West to authorize the City Attorney and Maurer and Stutz to contact the lot lease holders to discuss and develop the actual lot boundaries. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. A~riculture Farm Lease Motion and second was made by Aldermen Schenck/Pickel to approve the 2011 farm lease so the farmer can proceed under the written agreement ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Work order to have Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development market 61 East Side Sauare Buildin~ for Sale. Motion and second was made by Aldermen Schenck/ Hartford to approve the work order with a modification to allow up to $10,0000 of TIF funds be authorized in the work order. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Badd Grant for South Boat Rama Alderman Reid previously did work to submit the grant application for the boat ramp; however it was not a good year to apply for the grants. The work of Alderman Reid and Maurer and Stutz was greatly appreciated and the City can reapply at a later date for the grant. Mine Overview Alderman Schenck stated that he wants to focus on protecting the watershed at the lake. Alderman Schenck would like to invite the people from the north mine to keep working with the Council regarding the permits being issued and provide updates. Public Works, Water & Sewer - Alderman Gerald Ellis, Chairman Citv hall ~enerator wall application for pavment No 1 from Otto Baum in the amount of 541.580.00 Motion and second was made by Aldermen Ellis/Hartford to approve the application No 1 in the amount of $41,580.00 ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried Enterprise Drive Culvert Replacement Application for Pavment No 2 from Otto Baum In the Amount of 17 807.63 Motion end second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the payment No 2 in the amount of $17,807.63 ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. 3'd Avenue Improvements Application for Pavment from Otto Baum in the Amount of $313,977.61 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/ West to approve the payment in the amount of $313,977.61. Split between TIF and EDA at 50/50%. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Chestnut Street Extension Aaplication for Pavment No 1 from Otto Baum in the amount of S37 066 59 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Hartford to approve the Payment No 1 from Otto Baum in the amount of $37,066.59 ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Secondarv Clarifiers No 2. 3 and 4 Rehabilitation Application for Pavment No 8 from Leander Construction in the amount of $110,619.64 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Pickel to approve the payment no 8 for Leander Construction in the amount of $110,619.64. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Secondarv Clarifiers No 2, 3 and 4 Rehabilitation Chan~e Order No 4 from Leander Construction for Chan~e to Contract Times. Keith Plavec explained that the prior completion date for two of the clarifiers was October 15 and June 30`h for the other clarifier. The new dates would make all three completion dates of June 30, 2011. Final payment is July 29, 2011. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Hartford to approve the change order no 4 from Leander Construction for change to contract times so all completion dates will be June 30, 2011. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Sewer Relocation Proiect- Contractor Estimates Keith Plavec explained that four services were connected to the storm sewer. Three were placed out for bid. The three locations received the low bids from Kinsel Excavating for properties at 676 North gtn Avenue ($1200.00) and 129 East Ash Street ($3300.00). 705 East Olive ($1300.00) to go to GM Mechanical Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Pickel to accept the two bids with Kinsel Excavating the other property to GM Mechanical. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. Discussion on Dirt and Concrete to be removed from NE Corner of former IH Site. Keith Plavec explained that Maurer and Stutz obtained a quote. The City will look at other options and will come back within a month with a plan that is more cost effective. No action at this time. Generations Beer Garden Keith Plavec issued a building permit for the 1S` floor of Generations Beer Garden. The police and fire chief visited the site last week and the owner has an architect preparing plans for the 2"d floor of the beer garden. The 2"d floor would have a five foot rail going around the 2"d floor; however the owner is looking at a higher rail between 6-7 feet high. The stair case would have emergency lighting. A side gate will be made handicap accessible and would not be used 98% of the time. Keith would like to see a set of drawings before any determination is made on the 2"d floor construction. Keith Plavec will bring the drawings back to further consideration. Motion and second by Ellis/Pickel to review the drawing and issue a permit if fit for the second story. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Communications from Mavor Kevin R. Meade Fire Chief- Keith Frank Mayor Meade explained that Keith Frank will be the new fire chief with a salary of $73,000.00 A moving allowance will be up to $3,000.00. Two weeks' vacation upfront and accrue vacation at the rate of three weeks annually. The starting date will be lune 22, 2011. lune 22, 2011. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Nelson to approve Keith Frank to the position of Fire Chief at a salary of $73,000.00 and a moving allowance up to $3,000.00. Two weeks of vacation time will be issued upfront and will continue to accrue vacation at the rate of three weeks annually. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Ward Four Alderman Mayor Meade appointed leremy Pasley as alderman of ward four. Jeremy will fill the two year vacancy left by Alderman Rick Reed. City Clerk Diana Tucker officially swore in Jeremy Pasley as Alderman. Heavv Equipment Operator Mayor Meade explained that Supervisor Bill Terry interviewed several people for the position of heavy equipment operator. Bill Recommended Eric Kinsel to fill the vacancy. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the hiring of Eric Kinsel to the position of heavy equipment operator. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Appointments Mike Freeman and Gale Derenzy- Liquor Control Commission Jorge Rivero- Planning and Zoning Joe Dietz- Police Pension Board Dave Evans- Canton Police Department Auxiliary Police Force Motion and second were made by Alderman Hartford/Pickel to approve the appointments. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Firefi~hter New Hire. Oath of Office-- Firefighter- Blake Flickinger Gazebo Paintin~ Mayor Meade thanked the Chamber and Main Street for their involvement in painting the gazebo. The paint was donated thru Crawford's Home Furnishings. Grass Cliqpin~s in Streets Mayor Meade reminded everyone that city code prohibits blowing grass clippings into the streets. A yard waste facility is on the south end of Canton. A fine will be issued if grass clippings are put into the street. Pool Fencin~ and Permits Mayor Meade reminded everyone that if a pool contains more than 24 inches of water a fence is required. If a pool has 500 gallons or more of water a pool permit is required. Fireworks Fundraiser MidAmerica National Bank will hold a fundraiser this Friday from 11:00-1:OOpm for the fireworks. Citizens are encouraged to attend. Citv Website Job Postin~ The Cook Polymer Technology plant job positing is on the City website. 2011-2012 Bud~et 2011-2012 budgets were distributed by City Administrator 1im Snider. Bri~ht Spot Award for June Michelle and Dean Singleton-1220 Sunview Drive awarded for their very colorful array of perennials, including bright yellow primrose. Old Business AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT TO BRAD L SOLAND AT 1005 NORTH MAIN STREET CANTON ILLINOIS (2ND READING) # 2034 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Schenck/Fritz to approve the ordinance and place it on record. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman Pasley x Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion carried. AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT FOR JOHN AND RHONDA LEMN AT THE ADDRESS OF 764 NORTH AVENUE B CANTON ILLIN015 FOR A LIGHT HAULING AND LAWN CARE BUSINESS (2ND READING) Motion and second were made by Schenck/Ellis to approve the ordinance and place it on record. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Schenck x Alderman x Alderman Fritz x Alderman West x x Alderman Nelson x Alderman Ellis x Alderman Pickel x Alderman Hartford x The motion failed. New Business IDOT Traffic Signal Master Agreement Keith Plavec explained that the City received a master agreement for all of the traffic signals in the City. The agreement would cover the periods of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2021. A cost sharing would take place for the up keep. The agreement states that the City will continue to finance the upkeep of the lights. This is an ongoing agreement that would not be different from the past agreements. Keith explained that he is not certain how the cost has varied in the past years. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Hartford to accept the agreement. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Adiournment Motion and second was made by Aldermen Hartford/Nelson to go to executive session for the purpose of personnel. Motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. EXECUTIVE SESSION- TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL a . .~'~l~l~---- City Clerk Diana Tucker