Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-06 Clerical Committee Meeting CLERICAL COMMITTEE MEETING TH 50 NORTH 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois th Tuesday January 10, 2006 – 6:30 p.m. Aldermen in attendance: Jim Hartford, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, Les Carl, Kevin Meade, Rick Reed, Eric Schenck. Absent: None. Others in attendance: Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Kathy Luker, City Attorney Jim Elson, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Police Chief Donald F. Edwards, Fire Chief John Stanko, Wastewater Treatment Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Supt. Greg Pollitt, Supt Street George Spahn, System Maintenance Supt., Bill Terry, Zoning Official Clark Wilson, Video Services by Joe Ginger. Others in the audience: Daily Ledger representative John Froehling, WBYS representative Mark Bixler, Journal Star representative Brenda Bowen, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rod Ahitow, Lawyer Mike Evans, Dennis Crawford, Chad Mayall, Canton Firefighter Jay Smith, Kevin Stephenson, Craig Zilly, an unidentified man. Finance Alderman Les Carl, Chairman Bills.Motion and second by Aldermen Sarff/West, all bills properly approved be referred to council for their consideration. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Treasurer’s Report. City Treasurer Kathy Luker referred to page 2 of her report. The City of Canton’s Health Care Fund was in the black of some $68,000. She feels this is due to the premium increase, less claims, and receiving of the reinsurance funds. Kathy mentioned that the IH TIF funds balance remaining is $44,320.85. Alderman Schenck would like to have at sometime in the future a Brownfield Site Update. We need something that could be public information. Motion and second by Aldermen Sarff/West, to refer the Treasurer’s Report to council for their consideration. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Finance Committee adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Legal & Ordinance Alderman Kevin Meade, Chairman Appointment of TIF attorney. Alderman Meade said this authorizes the mayor to be able to appoint a TIF attorney. It does not do anything else. Motion by Aldermen Carl/West, to approve of the concept and refer to council for their consideration. Discussion. Alderman Berardi asked if the committee had some perimeters in mind for money and etc.? Alderman Meade said this authorizes the mayor 1 to make an appointment. Then we set the perimeters. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Create Long Range Planning Committee. Alderman Meade said the mayor needs authorization to combine Streets & Garbage in with Public Works, Water & Sewer. Mayor Heinze said he wants someone on a committee who concentrates on long term Motion planning. Alderman Sarff said he sees no harm in combining the 2 committees. by Aldermen Sarff/West, to approve of the concept and refer to council for their consideration. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Considering of re-zoning near existing property of Wal–Mart. Alderman Meade th reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission met on January 9 and unanimously approved the re-zoning. Given high profile of this issue, we gave it to the committee first. Alderman Sarff said he listened to the Planning & Zoning meeting last night on TV, and he still has a couple of questions. The Public Works staff has looked at the proposal and understand they’re satisfied with everything that was discussed at the Planning & Zoning th meeting. Alderman Sarff ask what is going to happen on 4 Avenue and some of the other streets? Are they going to hold up, are they adequate for traffic? I know that where the traffic signals will be placed this will carry the bulk of the traffic. Is there possibility of participation from Wal-Mart? th Troy Pudik counsel for Wal-Mart said since the topic of 4 Avenue is somewhat recent they will mention to the Wal-Mart engineers. The road is not curbed and guttered. The condition of that road is poor. The local traffic uses the road to get to the existing store. This is preliminary discussions and an open point. Alderman Berardi mentioned the discussion of the Wal-Mart re-zoning should be at his committee, not Legal & Ordinance Committee. The Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee has been left out of the negotiations since day one. I’m not happy about it, and the staff of Public Works department reports to the Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee. I want to know what is going on, and the citizens of Canton want to know th what is going on! We would not be asking questions about 4 Avenue if we were thth involved in the discussions. It’s not just 4 Avenue, its Alder Street, Cypress and 11 Avenue. By their own admission they’re talking about being a ‘hub’ for the future of th Canton. We have a very dangerous intersection at the corner of 4 Avenue and Cypress. Have not heard anyone mention safety. We have not addressed any kind of buffer for the people of the Country Club estates. These are negotiation points and this has not been brought up. Now Clark Wilson makes a statement that lead people to believe everything is okay for water and sewer. And the fire chief has mentioned water pressure is not good. I don’t want that building sitting there year after year. I have no problem with Wal-Mart building on the site, except for what was mentioned. I did not appreciate Maurer Stutz Inc. being in on negotiations. What I want you to do Alderman Meade is refer this to the Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee. Clerical Committee 1-10-06 2 Attorney for Wal-Mart Troy Pudin mentioned when the Wal-Mart building vacates their intentions is to put in a marketing package and sell to a complimentary retail. A lot of the property will not be developed in the future because of its condition. The reason for that is the mines, and because of the environmental studies done on the site. Mayor Heinze mentioned to Troy Pudin…we have made it a point to try to work this out with Wal-Mart. You came to the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, and every number of fact findings was unanimously approved by the entire commission members. th So we all go on record of fully supporting Wal-Mart. The traffic for 4 Avenue will th increase. So if Wal-Mart could give us some help on 4 Avenue it would be greatly appreciated. Troy Pudin answered that he would discuss that with them, and there are timing issues here we will have to consider that are sensitive. Alderman Schenck said he agreed with Alderman Berardi. Alderman Berardi’s point is right on as Troy Pudin had talked about the Wal-Mart super center becoming a ‘hub’ for further activity. We’re all for economic growth, and even in the north end of town, but I wonder if were prepared for both the long term and short term consequences. The short term consequence is not just Wal-Mart super center, but some of the businesses it will attract to that area. Are we ready for that growth? The long term issue is the direction we’re heading, it will become the north Canton, and the rest of Canton. We need to make it our job to get the IH site up and moving so we don’t leave the rest of the downtown behind. Are we ready with a plan, and a preparedness to keep the rest of our town moving forward? Received a email through the city’s site from Washington D.C. Referred to Sand Springs Oklahoma. The town won the 2004 Phoenix Award for Brownfield Development that was a super center built on an old steel smeltering facility. We have to be pro-active about our future. Alderman Berardi expressed the timetable, he does not want to be pushed by Wal-Mart and will, not just so they can make money. We’re not obligated just because they are on a timetable. Dennis Crawford of 525 Rosewood Court was given time to speak. The prospect of a super center is exciting because of all the positives. He has concerns and fears of our downtown. Feels Wal-Mart will pull business from the downtown, and you can see beauty and charm in our downtown. At present they’re 12 vacant properties in the downtown area. Re-zoning for Wal-Mart super center will be a long term benefit for Canton. If you will commit to making downtown your priority for good sensible development, it may survive. Motion by Aldermen Carl/West, the re-zoning of Wal-Mart to be referred to the Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee. Discussion. Alderman Meade mentioned that any committee could have equal claim and all have concerns. My concern is to act on this in a timely manner and don’t let it sit in committee for a long time. The question before us Clerical Committee 1-10-06 3 is re-zoning and we need to give them an answer in a timely manner. Alderman Meade referred to city attorney Jim Elson for the proper scenario. Jim Elson reported that what we are doing here is acting as a committee of the whole. It really affects every committee. The proper way is to consider in its entirety, because council is the committee of the whole. Alderman Berardi said don’t take it out of our hands the negotiation tool, we don’t have to re-zone the property. And if they don’t like our terms, we don’t have to like their terms. But we can say, “we don’t care if you come here or not”! I don’t have any problem with that! I want what is best for Canton. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Budget System of Property Taxation. Alderman Sarff wanted Alderman Carl to give his opinion on the Budget System as opposed to Appropriation Ordinance. Alderman Carl said if we don’t go to the Budget System we will have to hire a Budget Administrator. The Budget System would be a more efficient way of knowing what you are spending. Motion and second by Aldermen Carl/Sarff, to adopt the Budget System as opposed to the adoption of the Appropriation Ordinance. Discussion. Alderman Berardi ask if the budgets are a daily process? Alderman Carl answered yes, and recommended City Treasurer Kathy Luker to over see the budget system as it would be cheaper than in the past. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Not listed on the agenda. Alderman Meade brought up the Nelson Building at E. Elm Street. City Attorney Jim Elson mentioned the first point of relief he is seeking on this building. He needs the authority to have inspection of the building as he wants to be able to file documents with the court. The second point of relief, if it does show the condition Motion it appears to be in, he will ask for demolition. and second by Aldermen Sarff/West, to refer the request to council for their consideration. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. Alderman Berardi gave his appreciation to City Attorney Jim Elson for his work on getting the West Locust Street proposed car mess cleaned up. Alderman Berardi ask where are we on Don Inmon property? City Attorney Jim Elson said where is Inmon? People who live in his trailer court last heard he lived in Gary Indiana. Ran up a water bill to $4500 he declined to pay. The city turned off the water, the residents acted prudently as they went to the Fulton County Health Department and they would not let the water be turned off as the residents paid Mr. Inmon and he walked off. Alderman Berardi ask Police Chief Donald Edwards of the status of the store that does not have a license and selling adult toys. Don said he has been in discussion with the city Clerical Committee 1-10-06 4 attorney. Some of the issues we’re looking at, is in regards to our own city ordinance. Right now we are wading through the paper work. Alderman Berardi ask if they are not in violation because they are selling without a license? Don said it depends on your interpretation of the ordinance. City Attorney Jim Elson said they are checking on measurements of how far they are from a place of worship, and that is 500 feet. The Legal & Ordinance Committee adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Community & Industrial Development Alderman Craig West, Chairman Update of Activities. Alderman Carl said he visited the old city building at 210 East Chestnut Street, he said he was really impressed of the work they have done. Economic Development Transition Committee Proposal. Mark Rothert Economic Development Director mentioned this is a private/public partnership with full resources from the City of Canton, The Business Community, and the Chamber of Commerce. A Budget was handed out by Mark, and he said it was just a sample budget. Alderman Berardi ask if the CADA has funds? Mark thought around $60,000. Alderman Berardi ask if they are going to piece meal this back to those who donated the money? Mark said, no! They would contribute $12,000 to this new organization. Alderman Berardi said we have a memo from the city attorney that says, funding more than a year is unlikely, and not in the best interest of the city. Alderman Berardi said he has two suggestions…1) give the city $60,000 and, 2) subtract that from the $100,000 of what the taxpayers have to pay, and will come up with the remaining balance. Alderman Schenck shared his Economic Development proposal for a multi year commitment for this type of partnership. He modeled it after the engineer agreement the city has with Maurer Stutz Inc. The following is the proposal by Alderman Eric Schenck…City of Canton Commitment. 1. Retainer fee for Economic Development Position ($25,000/year) a.Defined priorities (eg.TIF) b.Monthly reports to Council 2. Special Projects a.Streetscape plan for Elm, Square, and N. Main ($25,000) b.Economic Development summit ($5,000) c.Comprehensive plan ($30,000/2006; $30,000/2007) d.Motel/Hotel Tax Administration (15% of tax fund = $7,500/year). Alderman Schenck said performance is what the key to long term viability is. 5 Clerical Committee 1-10-06 Mark Rothert reported this is a non-profit organization. Alderman Sarff said he agreed with Alderman Schenck of having some goals, commitment, and accountability of council. In my opinion that is the biggest thing that was the demise of CADC. The community lost confidence of what, or what not, was going on there. This allows accountability. Alderman Berardi said this was great Alderman Schenck, this addresses accountability and Mark Rothert has done more in three months then the former Economic Development Director did in 2 years. Motion and second by Alderman Meade/West, to endorse the concept, and refer to council for their consideration. Discussion. Alderman Meade commented that he is looking at a partnership where the City of Canton, Chamber of Commerce and the community gets involved. Partnership is the only way we’re going to do anything. The challenge here is going to be the long term funding of this. But at the same time, that is what is necessary to carry this forward. We have to commit to a long-term process. Alderman Schenck ask, in approving the concept, what happens if we approve the concept? Alderman Meade said my intended motion is to approve the concept of the partnership. And when we get the funding mechanism in place then we come back to council for that funding. This then takes us to the next step of the direction we want to go. Alderman Schenck said of what he designed has a lot of control of the purse strings on funding. If we fund it as a broader blank check we have some concerns of the governance issues. Not sure it’s the best governance towards a scenario for an organization like this, because of how the Board is set up. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Community & Industrial Development Committee adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel Alderman Larry Sarff, Chairman The agenda did not have any items for discussion and none was held. EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE – DISCUSSION OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONNEL; FIRE NEGOTIATIONS; LEGAL & ORDINANCE COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS – THREATENED/PENDING LITIGATION. Motion and second by Aldermen West/Meade, to go into executive session to discuss appointment of personnel, fire negotiations and Legal & Ordinance committee to discuss threatened/pending litigation. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Sarff, West, Carl, Meade. NAYS – None. Motion carried. 6 Clerical Committee 1-10-06 The regular scheduled Clerical Committee meeting adjourned for an executive session at 8:07 p.m. The minutes of the executive session are on file in the office of the city clerk for review. The Clerical Committee reconvened from executive session at 8:36 p.m. Motion and second by Aldermen Meade/Carl, to adjourn. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous. The Clerical Committee adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Recording Secretary, Nancy Whites, City Clerk 7