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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-07-2020 Council MinutesCity of Canton Council Meeting The Donald Edwards Way (Historic Depot) Canton 11 61520 January 7, 2020 6:30PM A regular meeting of the Council meeting was held on January 7 (6:30pm) in the Council Chambers, The Donald E. Edwards Way -50 North 4th Avenue, Canton, Illinois 61520. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Kent McDowell, Attorney Chris Jump, City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock, Treasurer Crystal Wilkinson, Public Safety Director Richard Fairburn, System Maintenance Superintendent Dash Wilson, Comptroller Beka Schultz and Dan Bender (Clifton Larson) MEDIA IN ATTENDANCE: Daily Ledger, Fulton Democrat VIDEO SERVICES BY JOE GINGER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENED THE MEETING INVOCATION — Mayor Kent McDowell PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD DECEMBER 17, 2019 BILL LIST Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Quin Mayhew to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS: FINANCE ALDERMAN RYAN MAYHEW, CHAIRMAN DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND TRI COUNTY FOR THE 2020 CENSUS GRANT #5219 Michael Brunner from the Tri County Regional Planning Commission explained that the State of Illinois appropriated approximately twenty- nine million dollars to do census outreach. They released a notice of funding for twenty million dollars for twelve regions within the state. Tri County Regional Planning Commission applied for the North Central Illinois region which includes ten counties. A grant was received for one half million dollars. Fulton County has $45,714.00 available for grants. The City of Canton applied for the grant and was approved for $15,714.00 and has a possibility of this amount being higher. This grant can be used for census outreach beginning January 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2020. The money doesn't have too many restrictions and could be used for many things. It could be used for printing, materials, advertising, staff time, renting venues, supplying snacks/food, technology that would assist people to do the census. This will be the first year that the census will be offered online. A postcard will be sent in the mail with instructions on how to do the census online. The grant could be used for computers, tablets and data plans. City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock explained that the City of Canton developed a complete count committee and they have been meeting on a regular basis. Diana further explained that it is very important to the community that we get a complete census count and that everyone participates this year. The community receives funds based upon the census results and we want to be sure that everyone is counted. Some of the funds received based upon the census results will go toward roads, schools, healthcare, and other various agencies. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ryan Mayhew/Nelson to approve the agreement between the City of Canton and Tri County Regional Planning Commission for the 2020 census grant. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON THE 2018/2019 AUDIT PRESENTED BY AARON PHILLIPS Aaron Phillips distributed the annual audit for the audit period ending April 30, 2019. The Supplemental audit report is a five- year trend analysis. The audited financial statements are included for each year so it can be compared over time. Aaron stated that the City is in the best financial position since he has been the auditor for the City—which was in 2010. Aaron stated that the internal controls and processes is also much better and much more accurate than it was from the very beginning. The City is doing a very good job at being fiscally responsible and following proper procedures and processes. The audit was filed with the Illinois Comptroller along with the annual financial report. The Kline Group does the TIF reporting. The pension reporting also takes place. These are all done, except the new state of Illinois GATA- which is a consolidated year end report. This is not finished at this time, but it is being worked on. The five- year trend analysis of revenues received over expenditures reflect that in 2014 there was -213,246.00. In 2015 it was -606,762.00. In 2016 and 2017 these number were slightly positive and in 2018 and 2019 there was significant positive figures reflected in the general fund. The Revenues received this year is $9,529,42 compared to $8,892,721 last year. The things that changed this year that would have contributed to the higher number this year was the garbage rate increase and the sales tax increase that was passed. The expenses are up this year and this is due primarily from the public safety line item (police/fire) the pension levy increased and the City starting funding additional into the pension funds. Wage increases also account for the increase. From 2014-2019 the general fund expenses are up approximately 10%- which is very good. In 2014 the general fund had reserves of approximately $1,000,000. In 2015 this dropped significantly and was down to $89,028. In 2017 there was a change in spending and the amount for cash and investments increased each year since 2017 and with this audit the amount was $2,634,948. Aaron explained that this is very good and definitely the highest number he has seen since he has been the auditor. The City currently has approximately 3.5 months of operating expenses in cash. Typically, municipalities should have between 3-6 months in the general fund operating reserves. This is the first year the City has been in that range. The water and sewer funds revenue increases are due to the timing of payments from the correctional center. The expenses are the operations and the maintenance, supplies, repairs and employees. This is the amount that it takes to operate. The capital outlay would be what is takes to improve. This year the operations and maintenance are $3,707,533. The debt services are $2,405,851 which both amounts total $6,113,384. The City has made good progress in the water and sewer fund. Aaron said this looks very good. The largest expense to the City is wages and employee benefits and pension obligations. This year the total number for wages, pension contributions, taxes and health insurance costs were $10,028,999. The total expenditures which includes debt services is $18,027,393. Approximately 70% of the operating budget is for payroll. This was probably more important years ago when there were cash shortages. The decisions related to employees are very important to the bottom line of the City. Aaron explained that all of these areas he reviewed in the audit are positive for the City. The areas that would be trending in a negative fashion is the pension obligations and the health insurance benefits for the retirees. These are both very expensive items. Fire pension contributions in 2014 was $560,000.00. This year the fire pensioncontributions is $800,000.00. This is a large increase. In 2014 the police pension contributions were $270,000.00. This year the police pension contributions is $548,000.00. The trend on the pensions is a huge rate increase. There are some changes to take place with the fire and police pensions with the new laws, so hopefully this will get it under control. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ryan Mayhew/West to accept the audit ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwolnan Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. LEGAL AND ORDINANCE ALDERMAN CRAIG WEST, CHAIRMAN DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE FROM AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY Attorney Jump explained that he is working with Ameren's attorney. If anyone has any suggestions on the contract, they are to contact Attorney Jump. This will be placed on the next agenda. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON REVOKING ORDINANCE #4175 (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 603 GRANT PLACE, CANTON ILLINOIS DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN UPDATED SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY FOR THE CITY OF CANTON Attorney Jump distributed a copy of the current sexual harassment policy that was adopted in December 2017. Recently some law changes took place. One of the new requirements is a law that states annual training must take place for all employees. The law�requires that by July 2020, the City has to amend the policy to add for reporting harassment between elected officials. Aldermen Nelson suggested having reports made to the City Clerk's office. If it involved the City Clerk's office, it would then be reported to the City Attorney. There are some requirements under the new law that states employers (starting July 1, 2020) must report to the department of human rights any potential harassment reports. This will be included in the new policy so future administrations will know who is responsible to report. The new ordinance will also need to modify the current code. This will be brought back to a future meeting. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN UPDATED DRUG POLICY FOR THE CITY OF CANTON Attorney Jump.explained that since the legalization of marijuana the City will need to decide how it wants to amend the current drug policy. The City currently has two drug policies. One policy pertains to everyone, and the other policy is part of the police union collective bargaining agreement. You typically cannot discriminate against someone during employment for something they do outside of work and off duty provided that it is legal. The amendments made it permissible for an employer of law enforcement officers, paramedics, probation officers, correctional officers and firefighters to still not permit the use of cannabis on or off duty. Currently it is not permitted by the City policies. The banning is still subject to the collective bargaining agreements. The City can still do random testing. The decision is up to the Council. You can't discriminate, but yet at the same time you are allowed to not permit certain employees from using on or off duty. If the City would decide to implement random testing it could become very difficult. This will be brought to the next council meeting. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION APPROVING A_LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND THE CANTON FIRE FIGHTERS, LOCAL 1897, I.A.F.F.I, MAI, AFL/CIO AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR, OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE SAID LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CANTON, ILLINOIS TO AMEND THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT #5220 Attorney Jump stated that he worked with the union president. The administrative code has added some additional fire certifications that firefighters can obtain. Some of the changes were made in 2017 to the code. Public Safety Director Richard Fairburn stated that they are primarily title changes that were made by the state fire marshal's office. The titles in the contract relate to promotional points. Motion and second were made by Alderman Nelson/Lovell to approve the resolution. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. COMMUNITY & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ALDERMAN JOHN LOVELL, CHAIRMAN The City previously passed this ordinance, but Mr. Kinsel is out of town. Certain publishing requirements need to be complied with. The new ordinance should be published twice within 30 days. This ordinance will be revoked so the following ordinance can be passed. Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Lovell to revoke ordinance #4175 ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin Nelson X Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 603 GRANT PLACE, CANTON ILLINOIS #4178 Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Nelson to waive the first reading of the ordinance. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Nelson to approve the ordinance with amended dates. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderwoman Lingenfelter X Alderman Fritz X Alderwoman Hale X Alderman West X Alderman Lovell X Alderman Quin Mayhew X Alderman Ryan Mayhew X The motion carried. NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL ALDERMAN JUSTIN NELSON, CHAIRMAN UPDATE FROM SRPED DIRECTOR MISSY TOWERY GENERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POINTS • Attended and participated in the Residential Housing Committee's Homebuilders meeting on Wednesday, December 41h • Continuing to participate in the Complete Count Committee for the Census. Worked with Diana to have Amanda Woodruff produce a marketing flyer for our Complete Count Committee. Flyer is attached. • Checked with Ben Denny at Illinois DCEO on the Canton Fulton County Enterprise Zone Amendment application and a few days later received word from Mr. Denny that it had been approved. • Worked with Tony Rolando to figure out a date for Wendy Bell, Deputy Director for DCEO's Office of Community Development, to present information on DCEO's CDAP program. Secured venue for the informational meeting. Tony Rolando worked with Amanda Woodruff to produce flyer. Flyer is attached and all are invited to attend. • Reviewed the Regional Workforce Development information from Dave Vaughn of Career Link and submitted our response. • Received Zip Codes from Brad Watson at Vistra on employees. Kathie Brown agreed to work with a U of I student to ascertain all of the communities. I also shared Brad's contact information with both Peoria and Havana for them to be able to access the same information. • Worked with Bob Ackerman to finish Table 16 of our IEDC Site Selection Data Table Standards. Continued to finalize the tables for Canton that were not yet updated. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ATTRACTION AND SUPPORT • Mayor McDowell and I met with couple interested in applying for all of the cannabis licenses. Helped make a connection to our local dispensary. • E-mail and phone discussions with person potentially interested in a portion of the IH Site. They are only in an exploratory phase. • Responded to a person wanting small office space. • Provided the Site Selector table updates to a person starting a Property Management business in Canton. • Sent property information on former Legacy, Scrapbook, Happy Hounds, Thai and OddFellows to a person who is interested in buying a downtown building if they would have a promised end user. I also followed up with a person who had been interested in opening a business downtown (left a message, but did not receive a return call). • Continuing to work with MidCentury Communications on gathering information for their grant opportunities for Broadband Deployment. Worked with Kathie Brown to receive an article from the University of Illinois' "Ag" department that talks about the importance of technology in the agriculture world. I shared that information with the company. • Assisted Ashley Harper at Billy's Tap with some information regarding her TIF RDA. • Call with Jim Murphy at CFC Properties to discuss our recruitment efforts for the former JCP Property. I provided all the past recruitment effort dates, businesses and contact information. I also provided ideas that we have discussed in the past for the property. OTHER Prepared for and attended SRPED Board meeting. Prepared and submitted Executive Committee notes for SRPED. Prepared for and attended Canton Main Street's end of the year meeting and celebration. Prepared for and attended Canton Main Street's Old -Fashioned Christmas Walk - Helped decorate the park. Provided a brief end of year presentation at CACC's board meeting. Submitted monthly Chamber Courier (2019 SRPED report) and CMS Newsletter Articles (end of year comments). CMS End of the Year report is attached. Met with two potential SRPED board members. Glacial Golf o Worked with bars on collecting sponsorships o Signed up new bar (Country Line Bar & Grill) o Created the Yetti 500 with CMS Board approval o Ordered the trophies o Greenskeeper meeting contacts DATES TO REMEMBER: Glacial Golf — Saturday, January 1811' PUBLIC WORKS, WATER AND SEWER ALDERWOMAN ANGIE LINGENFELTER, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC ALDERWOMAN ANGELA HALE, CHAIRMAN STREETS AND GARBAGE ALDERMAN JEFF FRITZ, CHAIRMAN LAKE, BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS ALDERMAN QUIN MAYHEW, CHAIRMAN MAYOR COMMUNICATION APPOINTMENT — MARILYN ANDERSON TO JOINT PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE FOR JANUARY 7, 2020 TO APRIL 30, 2024 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Nelson/Lovell to approve the appointment. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. 2020 CENSUS City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock stated that the City developed a complete count committee which is made up of a large number of community members. The goal of the committee is to get the word out about the census and to try to get a complete census count for Canton. The committee will be working over the next few months of raising awareness and also getting people to participate in the census. The Census Bureau is currently hiring for various positions. If anyone is interested in applying for the census jobs, they can apply online at the 2020 census. OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT Motion and second were made by Alderman Nelson/Ryan Mayhew to adjourn into executive session for: 51LCS 120/2 C2, C11 The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Mayor Kent McDowell City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock