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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2013 Council 2nd meeting minutes A regular meeting of the Canton City Council was held on May 7, 2013 at 7:42pm in the Council Chambers, The Donald E. Edwards Way-50 North 4th Avenue, Canton, Illinois 61520. 2"a meeting Aldermen in attendance: Aldermen Justin Nelson, Jerry Ellis, John Lovell, Jeremy Pasley, Craig West, Jim Nelson, Dave Pickel Aldermen absent: Staff in attendance: Mayor Jeff Fritz, Jason Standberg, City Treasurer Kathy Luker, City Clerk Diana Pavley, Police Chief Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Keith Frank, Public Works Director Bill Terry, WTP Superintendent Greg Pollitt, WWTP Superintendent Joe Carruthers, Comptroller Caty Campbell, Street Superintendent Dan Dare, City Engineer Keith Plavec, Media in attendance: Daily Ledger- John Froehling Video Services by Joe Ginger Others in the audience: Dan Rock, Jennie Frank, Chrissie Peterson, Clint Peterson, Denise Colglazier, Jason Strandberg, Amanda Jordan, Missy Towery, Greg Lingenfelter, Phil Fleming, Lee Puleo, Mike Eveland, Rick Nichols, Ralph and Marian Paul, Mike Luker, John Luker and other city employees and family members. OATH OF OFFICE FOR MAYOR JEFFREY A FRITZ City Clerk Diana Pavley gave the official oath of office to Mayor leffrey A. Fritz. OATH OF OFFICE FOR TREASURER/BUDGET DIRECTOR KATHLEEN A LUKER City Clerk Diana Pavley gave the officiaf oath of office to City Treasurer Kathleen A. Luker. OATH OF OFFICE FOR ALDERMEN JIM NELSON (WARD 1), CRAIG WEST (WARD 2), GERALD ELLIS(WARD 3) JOHN LOVELL (WARD 4),1EREMY PASLEY (WARD 4) City Clerk Diana Pavley gave the official Oath of Office to Aldermen Jim Nelson, Craig West, Gerald Ellis, John Lovell and Jeremy Pasley. ADOPTION OF ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/West to adopt The Roberts Rufes of order. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR JEFFREY FRITZ APPOINTMENTS FOR 2013-2014 FISCAL YEAR Mayor Fritz welcomed all of the newly elected members to the Council and stated that he looks forward to working together as a team. Mayor Fritz said that he is looking at going in a different direction by consolidating positions and becoming more efficient. One of the things Mayor Fritz would like to do for a 90 day temporary appointment is have a Community Services Director. This position would interact and engage people in the community more. The position would provide services and discuss quality of life issues. The position would be engaged in community service, zoning issues, and code enforcement. The blighted neighborhoods would also be addressed. One of the immediate areas that Mayor Fritz will be addressing is the cleanup of Canton Lake. Mayor Fritz stated that he would like to appoint Jason Strandberg to the position of Community Services Director. Jason was a former Alderman for the City and has been involved in the community. The Public Safety Director has not yet been selected. The Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief of Police would receive a 90 day appointment. The City has been actively working with Springbrook with a computer conversion. Former Treasurer Nicole Marter will receive a 30 day appointment to help with the transition and she will also help backup the water department. This 30 day appointment witl be evaluated at the end of the 30 days. Alderman Pickel stated that he has one concern with the Community Services Director. Alderman Pickel stated that he has some concerns with the person that is being appointed to the position. Jason Strandberg previously resigned his appointment as Aldermen, and now he is being appointed to a 3 month position with the City for $5,000.00 per month. Alderman Pickel said that for the three months at a cost of $15,000.00 Jason has the ability to decide if he wants to keep the job. Alderman Pickel said "tell me where I can find a summer job like that?". Alderman Pickel said that he doesn't have anything against Jason Strandberg personally; however he does not feel he is the right person for the job. Mayor Fritz explained that it is up to the Council if they want to keep him for the 90 days and following the 90 day appointment. Mayor Fritz stated that Jason Strandberg has already committed to staying after the 90 days if the Council wanted to keep him. The following question was asked. "Would it overlap with the Spoon River Economic Deve~opment. The City already pays $90,000.00 per year to the Partnership. Mayor Fritz explained that Spoon River is strictly for economic development, and the position would go beyond what they do. This position would become involved in the community addressing the quality of life issues and partner with the community. This would involve code issues, cleaning up neighborhoods, vacant buildings, abandoned houses and blighted neighborhoods. This position is more than economic development. The position would be a liaison with the Spoon River Partnership, the engineers, planning and zoning and the community. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Pasley/Jim Nelson to approve the appointments for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Alderman Justin Nelson would like to amend the motion and make the appointments based upon the individual appointment. Amended motion and second were made by Aldermen Nelson/Ellis to make the appointments based upon the individual appointment and not as a group. The amended motion was carried. ROLL CALL ON THE AMENDED MOTION: ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman lustin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. Mayor Fritz asked for a motion for the appointment of Jason Strandberg as the Community Services Director. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Pasley/Lovell to approve the appointment. DISCUSSION: Alderman Pasley stated that the 90 day appointment will give the Council the opportunity to see if the position makes since to have. Alderman Pasley explained that Jason Strandberg is the perfect person for the job. His overall likeness from the community is overwhelming. Alderman West asked if Jason Strandberg would be directly accountable to the Mayor. Mayor Fritz explained that he would be accountable to the Mayor. Alderman Jim Nelson stated that as the newly elected Mayor, he has the right to initially setup his team. This position is not a permanent placement, but rather a 90 day placement. After the 90 day appointment the final determination may be made. Alderman Jim Nelson stated that he firmly believes that the Mayor has the right to make the initial appointment. Alderman Justin Nelson stated that he is concerned with the dollar amount that is being set for the temporary position and would recommend lowering the salary to $4,000.00 per month. Mayor Fritz explained that he based his decision upon a salary from 7-8 years ago. This position also will not receive any benefits during the 90 day period. Alderman Ellis stated that he feels there will be a lot of overlap with this position. Mayor Fritz said that he is not looking at stepping on toes, or overlapping positions, but instead of engaging more in the community. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis x Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman 1im X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. BUDGET DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT Mayor Fritz would like to appoint Treasurer Kathleen Luker to the position of Budget Director with a 12 month appointment. The City is required to have a budget director. In the past it was done by the City Treasurer and most recently was done by the City Administrator Jim Snider. The salary for the budget director will be set at $10,000.00 per year. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/West to approve the appointment. ROLL CALL Yes No Present Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman lustin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman 1im X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. CITY ADMINISTRATOR Mayor Fritz explained that he would like to make a 30 day appointment for City Administrator Jim Snider. The original contract for Jim Snider atlowed for a 30 day notice upon separation. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Pasley to approve the 30 day appointment. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman 1im X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. CITY ATTORNEY Mayor Fritz explained that Attorney Chrissie Peterson's appointment would be thru 5-10-2013. Attorney Peterson voluntarily resigned effective 5-10-2013. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman lustin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT Mayor Fritz explained that he would like to appoint Bill Terry to the position of Public Works Superintendent for a 12 month period. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Pasley/Jim Nelson to approve the appointment of Bilf Terry as Public Works Superintendent. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman 1im X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried CHIEF OF POLICE Mayor Fritz explained that he plans to have a Public Safety Director that would replace the positions of Police Chief and Fire Chief. This Public Safety Director would eliminate the two positions and allow for more efficiency within the ranks. Mayor Fritz would like to appoint Dan Taylor to the position of Chief of Police for three months. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Jim Nelson to approve the 90 day appointment for Dan Taylor as Chief of Police. Discussion: Alderman Justin Nelson explained that in the past the City has tried to have a position like this and was previously unsuccessful by finding the right person. Alderman Nelson also said it can create a problem with the appropriate experience in both police and fire. Mayor Fritz explained the position would be more of an administrative position that would guide both departments. Mayor Fritz said that he has all the faith in the people in the departments for the technical part of the duties. You have the Assistant Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs to carry out the technical part of the job. Alderman Justin Nelson expressed concerns about the need for a Public Safety Director. Mayor Fritz stated that the change would actually improve the efficiencies and create upfront savings. Further discussion took place regarding the overtime. ROU CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman !im X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE Mayor Fritz explained that along with the creation of the Public Safety Director position the position of Deputy Chief of Police (Rick Nichols) will receive a 90 day appointment. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/Pickel to approve the 90 day appointment for Deputy Chief of Police Rick Nichols. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried STREET SUPERINTENDENT Mayor Fritz explained that he would like to appoint Dan Dare to the position of Street Superintendent for a 12 month appointment. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Justin Nelson to approve the appointment of Dan Dare to the position of Street Superintendent for 12 months. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman 1im X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF Mayor Fritz explained that he would like to appoint Keith Frank to the position of Fire Chief through June 7, 2013. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Pasley/Jim Nelson to appoint Keith Frank to the position of Fire Chief through June 7, 2013. Discussion: Alderman Ellis suggested extending the appointment for Keith Frank to the position of Fire Chief for 90 days so it will be the same as the appointment as Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief. Alderman Ellis further explained that he feels there will be a lack of supervision at the fire department until the Public Safety Director is hired. Amended Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Pickel to extend the appointment of Keith Frank as Fire Chief for 90 days. Roll call on the amended motion. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman 1im X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. WWTP SUPERINTENDENT Mayor Fritz explained that he would like to appoint Joe Carruthers to the position of WWTP Superintendent for 12 months. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Justin Nelson to approve the appointment of Joe Carruthers to the position of WWTP Superintendent for 12 months. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried UTILITY BILLING SUPERVISOR Mayor Fritz reported that he would like to appoint Nicole Marter for 30 days to the position of Utility Billing Supervisor. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/West to approve the appointment of Nicole Marter to the position of Utility Billing Supervisor for 30 days. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried Alderman Pickel asked if the 30 days will allow enough time for Nicole Marter to work with Treasurer Luker on the computer conversion. Alderman Pasley explained that software companies offer training for conversions, so he is not concerned about the training. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. WTP SUPERINTENDENT Mayor Fritz reported that he would like to appoint Greg Pollitt to the position of WTP Superintendent for 12 months. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Pasley to approve the appointment of Greg Pollitt to the position of WTP Superintendent for 12 months. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried COMPTROLLER Mayor Fritz reported that he would like to appoint Caty Campbell to the position of comptroller for 12 months. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/West to approve the appointment of Caty Campbell to the position of Comptroller for 12 months. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. MAYOR/ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY PARK CUSTODIAN Mayor Fritz reported that he would like to appoint Carol Kohler to the position of Mayor/Administrative Secretary for 12 months. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Justin Nelson/Ellis to approve the appointment of Carol Kohler as Mayor/Administrative Secretary and Park Custodian for a 12 month period. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman lustin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. 2013-2014 COMMITTEE CHAIR Finance Justin Nelson Personnel Jeremy Pasiey Community Development Legal & Ordinance Craig West Public Safety Jim Nelson Streets & Garbage Dave Pickel Lake, Buildings & Grounds John Lovell Public Works Jerry Ellis Motion and second were made by Aldermen Pasley/Justin Nelson to approve the 2013-2014 committee chairs. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. 2013-2014 APPOINTMENTS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD Mayor Fritz reported that he woutd like to appoint Patrick Carter, James Elson and Michelle Quinones to the Library Board. Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Jim Nelson to approve the appointments to the Library Board. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. APPOINTMENT TO THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE Mayor Fritz reported that Chief Dan Taylor would like to appoint Chad Green to the Auxiliary Police Force. Chad is a recent graduate of the police academy. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Justin Nelson/Ellis to approve the appointment to the Auxiliary Police Force. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. INTERIM APPOINTMENT OF CITY ATTORNEY Mayor Fritz explained that due to the resignation of Attorney Peterson, Mayor Fritz asked Bruce Beal to represent the City in the Interim. The City is currently searching for a City Attorney. 2013-2014 SEATING ARRANGEMENT FOR ALDERMEN Seating Arrangement Justin Nelson Dave Pickel Jerry Ellis Jim Nelson John Lovell Jeremy Pasley Craig West Treasurer Attorney Mayor City Clerk Chief of Police NEW BUSINESS: AN ORDINANCE VACATING THE RIGHT OF WAY KNOWN AS MANUFACTURE'S CIRCLE AT THE ENTERPRISE INDUSTRIAL PARK IN THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (1sT READING) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1 ~DEFINITIONS) OF CHAPTER 11 (LAKE CANTON) OF TITLE 8(PUBLIC WAYS AND PROPERTY) iST READING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR CITY EMPLOYEES FOR FY 14 #4027 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Justin Nelson to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman lustin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SEPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND JAMES W SNIDER #4028 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Justin Nelson/Ellis to approve the resolution and place it on file. Discussion Alderman West thanked Jim Snider for his services as City Administrator. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. COMPUTER PURCHASE AGREEMENT Mayor Fritz explained that a computer purchase agreement between Attorney Chrissie Peterson and the City of Canton was pfaced in the packet for review. Due to information on the computer, items created and attorney-client privilege, Attorney Peterson wants to purchase the City laptop. The City has a backup on the server from Tim Buk Tech. The agreement was executed by Attorney Peterson and Mayor Meade. Bruce Beal explained that this needs to be approved by the Council because of the sale of personal property. The Council would need to find that the laptop as surplus by the majority vote. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Justin Nelson/Ellis to approve the purchase agreement. Discussion: Alderman Pasley expressed concerns regarding the confidential information that exists on the laptop. Attorney Bruce Beal stated that under the agreement Attorney Peterson is required to maintain confidentiality of all of the information that is on the computer. The reason that this was approached is the fact that Attorney Peterson will need access to the information. Archiving the information will cost $9.00 per month. Alderman Pasley asked what Attorney Peterson would need the information for. Bruce Beal explained that she will need to work on or testify on the Navistar litigation. The computer has a great deal of information on it regarding the Navistar litigation. The only way she would have access is by the computer or by archiving that would cost $9.00 per month as long as the Navistar litigation continues. Attorney Peterson explained that Tim Buk Tech recommended her purchasing the computer and it would be the easiest way to obtain the information. Attorney Peterson said you can confirm this with Caty Campbell and Nicole Marter. Alderman Pasley stated that the information on the computer becomes property of the City and not the property of the employee. Bruce Beal stated that it is the property of the City, but you would need to archive the information so Attorney Peterson could have access to it. She can only get access by an archive. Caty Campbell explained that this would be the easiest way to have Attorney Peterson have the access without additional cost for the City. Bruce Beal explained that he thinks its ok for the City to sell the laptop, however the council would have to make a finding that it is surplus property in order to sell it. Alderman Lovell asked if Tim Buk Tech backs up the laptop or just a specific file server. Alderman Lovell asked if it would be possible for documents that are on the laptop not to be part of the archive. Mayor Fritz stated that he does not feel it is surplus property, and he said the City will need a laptop for the next City Attorney. Attorney Peterson said that she has no problem returning the laptop to the City, however all 40,000 pages of the discovery for Navistar will need to be printed by someone at the City for her to review for the trial. Alderman Pasley asked if the file could be sent rather than printing all of the pages. Attorney Peterson said it took Tim Buk Tech two days and $9,000.00 just to pull the information off of her computer when it had to be provided to Navistar in the discovery. Attorney Peterson again said it was Tim Buk Tech's recommendation, however she would return it. Attorney Peterson said that she talked to Tim Buk Tech about an external hard drive, but it would still be an additional cost to the City to archive the information. Amended Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Justin Nelson to name the laptop as surplus property and in the best interest of the City for Attorney Peterson to purchase the laptop. Discussion: Alderman Pasley asked if the City is positive that all of the information from the laptop is on the City server. Alderman Lovell asked if the City sells the laptop and has to purchase a new laptop for the new City Attorney would there be additional costs to "rebuild" the laptop and have all of the data put back on the laptop. The information would be accessed from the server. Attorney Peterson said that for FOIA purposes, you have to make sure that whatever is on any City computer can be pulled from the IT Company. Alderman Pasley stated that he doesn't feel that he has enough information to vote on this tonight. Attorney Peterson stated that she would like to withdraw her request for the purchase of the laptop. The amended motion was to approve the purchase agreement and declare the laptop a surplus item of the City and to the best interest of the City to allow Attorney Peterson to purchase the laptop and enter into an agreement. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pasley x Alderman Lovell X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman Pickel X Alderman Jim X Nelson Alderman West X The Motion Carried. ADJOURNMENT Motion and second was made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/Pickel to adjourn into executive session for the purpose of personnel. 51LCS120/2(c) (1) Mayor Jeffrey Fritz City Clerk Diana Pavley