HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-25-06 Mechanical Committee Minutes
MECHANICAL COMMITTEE
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50 North 4 Avenue, City of Canton
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Aldermen in attendance:
Aldermen Jim Hartford, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Les Carl,
Kevin Meade, Rick Reed, Eric Schenck. Absent: Alderman West.
Others in attendance:
Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City
Treasurer Kathy Luker, City Attorney Jim Elson, Economic Development Director Mark
Rothert, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Representing Police Chief Randall
Zimmerman, Fire Chief John Stanko, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers,
Water Treatment Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, Street Supt. George Spahn, Maurer Stutz Inc.
Keith Plavec, Assistant Fire Chief Dan Oaks, Mike McClucky from IDOT, Video
Services Joe Ginger. News Media from Daily Ledger John Froehling, WBYS Mark
Bixler, Journal Star Brenda Bowen. Others in the audience Mike Kepple from
Doublecluck farms, Harry Dare, John Wertman, Curt Churchill, Kip Kinzer, Phil
Randolph, Tracey Brewer, Sam Laswell, George Hall, Attorney Bruce Beal, Angie
Lyons, Jerry Jarnigan, several unidentified others.
Alderman Schenck had the Streets & Garbage Committee go first as a lot of citizens were
attending the meeting for discussion of the 336 Route.
Streets & Garbage
Alderman Jim Hartford, Chairman
Citizens Input on alignment of 336 Route.
Alderman Hartford mentioned that
the City of Canton has been asked by IDOT officials to make a decision of the “blue line
or green line” for the preferred route.
Mayor Heinze read the following letter received by e-mail from Jeremy Krock of Peoria,
Illinois.
To Mayor and Aldermen,
I will be unable to attend tomorrow evening’s meeting but would like to take the
opportunity to share my opinion regarding the Section 4 segment of the Illinois 336
Highway study. I would ask the mayor and Council to give serious consideration to
protecting the most precious asset of Canton and Fulton County, its farmland. Factories
and mines will come and go, but the farms of Fulton County have been on record since
the 1800’s. These farms will never go overseas, to Mexico, or an area less represented
by a trade union. Our farms were raped by the mines 30 years ago, leaving us with land
that IDOT doesn’t even want to build on, because of the increased cost. Instead, they
offer a cheaper (west) route that violates almost twice the farmland as the east.
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Our family owns the remains of the once historic Mound Farm north of Canton. Our
grandmother lived there as a child with her tenant farmer family in the early 1900’s.
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Now, only the foundation of the home remains and most of the farm lies in the bottom of a
strip mine pit lake. These remains of the Mound Farm are in the middle of the proposed
West route, along with some other valuable, productive farm land.
I would encourage the council to recommend the east route, bringing the road closes to
the city, utilizing the spoils of the mines, and hopefully benefit Canton with some increase
in retail traffic. To use a “Field of Dreams” approach by placing the road further west
and hoping for the best to encourage westward expansion of the city is unrealistic.
As a side note, I hope the council members have had the opportunity to read the article
on Knox County mining in yesterday’s Heartland Section of the Peoria Journal Star. It
was interesting to read the academic view of the “failed economic promise of strip
mining” a stark contrast to the sales job on page one, section one by Mr. Arnett. To
sacrifice 1100 acres of land so near Canton lake for a few temporary jobs seems
unconscionable. We only need to look north and west of Canton to see what will become
of prime farm ground when the mines are finished. Fulton County doesn’t need more
goose hunting land, it needs to protect its fertile cropland.
My thanks for your time and consideration, please feel free to share these comments at
the meeting as you wish. Jeremy L. Krock
Alderman Hartford allowed this time for the audience to speak.
Mike Kepple the President of Doublecluck Farms commented, we endorse the west route,
which is less intrusive and would be 40 million less in cost. Endorsing the highway is
good thing for the county and city. The east route goes through the city’s Industrial Park.
You have to think in 30, 40 and 50 years from now as to where the city will be.
John Wertman – the family owns land in the west route, and one thing that needs
improvement is the roads. Property is located on County Highway 22, which is east of
the prison and is considered prime farm land. Your duty is to think in terms of the City
of Canton, and the closer you can get to Canton would surely benefit.
Curt Churchill – I’m not heavily impacted as Henry Dare. I question the economic value
of it. The council should consider all those people who come from the west who drive to
Peoria. Good chance none of those people will go through Canton once this highway is
built. You’ll be pulling all the traffic out of town. Think careful about it, read careful as
will lose a lot of businesses
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Kip Kinzer - Oppose to any effort to build 336 Route. Long term business no one can
predict will create jobs. Economic development is not depended on the highway it’s
quality of life. Need quality of life in business, than all can benefit. The cost of a billion
Mechanical Committee 4-25-06
dollars, is it a wise investment here? If there are benefits to be gained, maybe the City
can endorse these folks that will be adversely affected.
Phil Randolph – The south 80 acres would be destroyed, and 170 acres was given the
family in the war of 1812. The 336 Route would not be beneficial to us. What it should
be is route 24.
Henry Dare – The north area of town is the Nature Conservancy that has come to this
area, and several more things are planned. My endorsement is neither route, why expand
a route that is never used? Route 336 would be a determent to Canton.
Phil Randolph – Went to school in Wyoming, they built a highway in that town and the
town died. If you want a highway to help Canton, have it built near Canton. Route 24 is
part of the road already built. We have Port Authority coming, and soon to be built is the
Ethanol Plant. This is where the traffic is. You have to have the trucks where the
business is. Recommend the green route, as the City of Canton would be most beneficial.
Bob Abbott – Do the math, every mile across this fine farm ground your taking out 22
acres of fine farm ground.
Alderman Joe Berardi – appreciate everyone coming, there were more opposed to 336
Route than before. He does not want to wait to be in a position to vote. He agrees that
route 24 should be pushed and not route 336.
Alderman Eric Schenck – Should comment on proposal and expanding route 24, as it is
further along and has many benefits. More immediate for us, and council should send a
letter to IDOT that this highway is our priority over 336 route.
Alderman Carl – We would be affected by changing now and going with route 24.
Alderman Rick Reed – Traffic on route 24 is horrendous, we need to have the road
expanded as the benefits to Canton would be more beneficial. He said he could not
support either route of blue or green.
Mayor Rodney Heinze – asked Mike McClucky, if we strongly endorse going with route
24, what does that do? Mike said it has nothing to do with this. Route 24 is practically
done on up grading, we’re just waiting on money to finish. Mayor Heinze – what if we
come out strongly we don’t want it? Mike we’re still planning on it.
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Alderman Meade – Route 24 will take part of the Banner Marsh. The less farm ground
can take, the better. We have to decide which benefits Canton the most. Don’t know
which route I want, like route 24, hope we can expand that route, also like 336 route, and
I don’t want my friends land taken either.
Mechanical Committee 4-25-06
Alderman Berardi – I’ve heard no one here say they support route 336 but you Alderman
Meade! Alderman Berardi said he sees no benefit for route 336.
Alderman Schenck – these two routes are related, and the political hand is on the throttle
for funding. Council is to consider both issues and which is greater authority to our
community.
Motion
Alderman Berardi/Schenck, City of Canton select route 24 as selection number
one and 336 route number two. Discussion. Mayor Heinze said that IDOT has asked
the City of Canton to make a choice of east or west route. Alderman Schenck, in the
budget we have monies set aside for a Comprehensive Plan, and this could help us to
make better informed decisions. Motion and second withdrawn.
Motion
and second by Aldermen Berardi/Schenck, council recommend route 24 for City
of Canton, and city has no preference of east or west route of 336. Discussion.
Alderman Schenck said your motion is to not consider either preference at this time for
either of two routes? Alderman Berardi said, yes! Voice vote, motion carried
unanimously.
Dan Oaks chairman Insurance Committee.Motion
and second by Aldermen
Hartford/Schenck, the City purchase their reinsurance from Companion Life, increase the
Specific Deductible to $90,000 per person for the upcoming year, and to retain HCH for
the administration of the City’s account for the upcoming year. Discussion. Dan Oaks
mentioned that the stop loss change, last year was $70,000, and over the history of the
city being self-insured the savings is worth the risk, which has increased to $4,807.00
from last year. Dan further stated that the renewal with HCH is for one year contract and
we can go out for bids and all aspects of the insurance next year. Voice vote, motion
carried unanimously.
Working Cash Loan Payoff, and to Borrow.
City Treasurer Kathy Luker said she
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met with the auditors on April 8, as a formality this has to be written in the minutes. We
borrowed $390,000 last year from the Working Cash Fund and I want to pay it back and
then borrow again the same $390,000 to place in the Health Care account. This was
Motion
suggested in the management letter by the auditing firm. and second by
Aldermen Reed/Schenck, to allow the payoff of $390,000 to the Working Cash Fund and
the re-borrowing of $390,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Health Care Fund.
Voice vote, motion carried unanimously.
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Trailer Park Avenue H.
Alderman Carl mentioned that a problem has existed with a
trailer on the property located at 124 – 132 South Avenue H. Jim Campbell said he lives
at 145 South Avenue H and the trailer had become vacant for several years, with no
significant repairs being made. There is junk laying in the yard, smells, looks unhealthy
and we have to look at every day. This year several individuals removed some of the
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trailers parts for salvage. Rex Still of the Fulton County Health Department had written a
letter on how bad the property was. The property is currently owned by Jeff Williamson
and for years the city has dealt with him in court. We the neighbors want the area
cleaned up.
City Attorney Jim Elson said he has never granted an extension to Jeff Williamson. Mr.
Williamson was in court each month, and the judge was tired of him messing around and
he was given until June to clean up the property. Jim said he was unaware of Rex Still
had wrote a letter.
Tracey Brewer said why do we have to look at this garbage sitting in front of us each day
for over 4 years. Is this property safe should we have to go retrieve a ball? City Attorney
Jim Elson said he has a suggestion for them, and that is to come to court for city day in
June.
Alderman Carl said this situation has gone on far too long and the committee should take
action on the property if the owner does not.
Alderman Meade asked the city attorney Jim Elson if the city has legal authority? Jim
Elson remarked that if the property is endangering health, under the direction from the
police, the city and the Fulton County Health department, the city can take action.
Alderman Meade said it gets frustrating when the property owner keeps getting
extensions after extensions, and the problems get worse.
Public Works Director Clif O’Brien was asked about the clean up of the property. Clif
said it was done before at another place in town and within 60 days. Clif was instructed
by the committee for him and Zoning Officer Clark Wilson and Fulton County Health
Department Rex Still to review the property in question and have cleaned up within 48
hours.
Alderman Berardi said we need some to look at some of our ordinances to address these
Motion
issues. and second by Aldermen Hartford/Reed, for the Legal & Ordinance
Committee to review the city ordinances on these issues, and for the Fulton County
Health Department to get involve. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney Jim Elson brought up the ordinance for no parking on the west side of
Avenue C in the 200 block. The residents want it changed to no parking on the east side
of Avenue C in the 200 block. Jim wants the police department to check on this and to be
discussed at the next Legal & Ordinance Committee.
2006 MFT Maintenance Program.
Public Works Director Clif O’Brien and Maurer
Stutz Inc. Keith Plavec presented information on the 2006 MFT Maintenance Program.
It is as follows…It is time of the year again where the City of Canton needs to determine
what will be completed under the 2006 MFT Maintenance Program. Last year a
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Roadway Capital Improvement Plan (RCIP) was completed that evaluated all of the
City’s streets. The RCIP contained past programs and provided recommendations for
2005 through 2009.
Mechanical Committee 4-25-06
The 2005 MFT Maintenance Program completed all of the RCIP recommended line items
with the exception of Eastview School. Eastview School improvements were not
completed because the City and Canton School District were engaged in a study to
evaluate traffic concerns around Eastview School.
The 2006 MFT Maintenance Program that was recommended in the RCIP considered
improving several streets. The budget for the 2006 program was recommended to be
$250,000. Since the completion of the 2005 MFT Maintenance Program, we have heard
several comments made concerning improvements and their estimated construction costs:
Eastview School ($115,000)
Greenwood Cemetery ($150,000)
Alley off of White Court ($10,000)
Alley adjacent to the proposed Petersen HealthCare Development ($5,000)
Sidewalk Replacement Program
The dollar amounts provided above are only estimates.
With increasing oil prices,
these estimates are subject to change.
We have developed a plan for all of you to consider if the above mentioned
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improvements are to be undertaken. , we would recommend that the City set aside
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$50,000 of this year’s budgeted $250,000 for Eastview School improvements; ,
complete Greenwood Cemetery in phases with completing $10,000 worth of
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improvements this fiscal year and $5,000 in subsequent years; , complete the alley
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off of White Court; , complete the alley adjacent to the proposed Petersen
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HealthCare Development; , set aside $5,000 for a sidewalk replacement program;
and finally, complete Hickory Street from the City Limits to Main Street (original
construction cost estimate = $168,100; updated construction cost estimate = $183,100.)
This plan will have a budgetary cost of $253,100.
Other improvements listed in the RCIP 2006 MFT Maintenance Program would be
shifted to the 2009 MFT Maintenance Program. The 2007 MFT Program would also
include the balance of the Eastview School Project and the next phase of Greenwood
Cemetery.
This ends the report on the 2006 MFT Maintenance Program.
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Motion
and second by Aldermen Hartford/Berardi, to refer to Council for their
consideration. Discussion. Alderman Carl wanted to know what the Cemetery uses the
perpetual care funds for? City Treasurer Kathy Luker said she would be talking to the
auditors on Monday and she would ask. Alderman Schenck wanted to know if the
$150,000 for Greenwood Cemetery was included in the MFT program? Maurer Stutz Inc
Keith Plavec said it has been included but only on paper as council would have to pass
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the resolution to spend those funds. Alderman Schenck wanted to know where the
funding is at this time? Keith Plavec said it is in the governor’s office and Senator
George Shadid and Representative Mike Smith did not no the status at this time.
Alderman Schenck said we need to stay on track of the Roadway Capital Improvement
Plan. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously.
Greenwood Cemetery Road Program.
Public Works Director Clif O’Brien stated that
the proposed improvements would consist of modified hot sand seal overlay on all the
existing roadways and parking areas within the Cemetery. Cemetery personnel informed
us that they would like to construct (2) new roadways and realign one of the existing
roadways. The Cemetery was broken into four (4) quadrants for purposes of
dimensioning the roadways.
Clif wants to complete Greenwood Cemetery in phases with completing $10,000 worth
of improvements this fiscal year and $5,000 in subsequent years.
The bid for letting will be June 16.
Committee told Clif to work it out with the Cemetery.
City Attorney Jim Elson commented that Petersen Company was changing their name or
corporation. TIF law says that all contracts with other entities it has to be made public.
This is for information only.
The Streets & Garbage Committee adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Public Works, Water & Sewer
Alderman Joe Berardi, Chairman
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Sewer Waste Backup at 6 Avenue.
Angie Lyons lives at 579 North 6 Avenue and
she discussed with Keith Plavec and Alderman Joe Berardi of the sewage backup
problems and mentioned that several other homeowners have expressed similar problems.
Keith Plavec and Clif O’Brien had noted in their memo that said the sewage problems
exist due to the age of the sewers, size of sewers in the area and the fact that the sewers in
this area are combined. During excessive rainfall periods, these combined sewers
surcharge.
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The options are…1. Apply for DCEO grant funds. 2. Installation of Sewage Injector
Pumps. 3. Installation of Drain Plugs. DCEO Grant funds can only be applied for in
low-moderate income area. WIRC should be contacted to determine if this area complies
with the low-moderate income guidelines.
The Sewage Injector Pumps, the installation of where surcharging has occurred is an
individual, short-term fix, and moderately expensive. A problem with the sewage
injector pumps is that they need to have periodic maintenance completed.
Mechanical Committee 4-25-06
However, this solution only corrects the individual surcharging problem, not the system
surcharging problem.
Alderman Berardi wants the sewer lines all TV. Public Works Director Clif O’Brien said
this is a good idea to TV that sewer.
Alderman Berardi mentioned of using the Contingency Fund in the Water/Sewer
Department budget.
Alderman Sarff wanted to know what percentage of the citizens have combined sewers?
Wastewater Treatment Plant Supt, Joe Carruthers said 60% .
Motion
and second by Aldermen Berardi/Hartford, asked the city to check cost in
appropriately televising the sewer system that affects this property and report back to
council. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously.
Sewer Ordinance Amendments.Motion
and second by Aldermen Hartford/Reed, to
send the ordinance to council for their consideration. Voice vote, motion carried
unanimously.
Inmon Violation Of Injunction.
City Attorney said that Clark Wilson the Zoning
Officer for the City took pictures and a letter was received from Fulton County Health
Department official Rex Still calling the property an environmental hazard. Jim said he
would be in Lewistown tomorrow and would file a motion in contempt of court.
City Attorney Jim Elson reported that one liquor license holder who was given sanctions
for selling alcohol to minors has appealed the decision.
On the property of Hidden Treasurer’s (DAHM Hall), have not received the deed on the
property.
The Wal-Mart Development Agreement for review has not been done by Jim as the
lawyer for Wal-Mart has not been available due to illness and being on vacation.
The Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Lake, Buildings & Grounds
Alderman Rick Reed, Chairman
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Alderman Reed said this issue is not on the agenda but Jerry Jarnigan needs to know
about the status of the lot he bid on where the former Drow Building was. Jerry said that
Alderman West had asked him to attend this meeting. Jerry commented that the building
he is proposing to construct, the walls will not connect, and the time frame for
construction is around 90 days.
Fire Chief John Stanko stated that his office would have to look at the plans for
construction. Committee agreed to send on to council with no recommendation.
Mechanical Committee 4-25-06
Alderman Schenck wants to still offer the SPRED the utilization of the Depot, which has
privacy and other usage. They could use the back room and baggage room. Would like
to see brought up before council. Alderman Sarff asked if this would be in-kind services
of sharing the utilities cost? If we charge them rent we pay taxes on the building.
City Attorney Jim Elson said he could not find the Enhancement grant on this building.
The committee members sent this to council with no recommendation.
The Lake, Buildings & Grounds committee adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
Public Safety & Traffic
Alderman Eric Schenck, Chairman
Police Report.
Representing the Police Chief was Randall Zimmerman. He told the
committee members if they had any questions he would answer them. No questions were
presented to Randy.
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Fire Report.
On March 29, Assistant Chief Richard Grove was awarded the Canton
Rotary Club Fire Fighter of the Year. John also thanked the Rotary Club for presenting
this award each year to a member of the Canton Fire Department.
Technical Rescue Team reimbursement was received for $8,373.38.
Personal Protective Equipment.Motion
and second by Aldermen Hartford/Berardi,
to be allowed to purchase personal protective equipment for Fire Fighter/Inspector Daniel
Neptun who recently began his duties with the Fire Department, in the amount of
$1,692.70. Discussion. John Stanko, fire chief said this will purchase one (1) set of
personal protective equipment from Municipal Emergency Services. Voice vote, motion
carried unanimously.
Mayor Heinze gave a brief update on the Police Chief position. The Illinois Association
of Chiefs of Police in Springfield have offered to assist us at a cost of $8,000. We can
get an interim Police Chief without health insurance and no benefits. We will pay salary
and living expenses. They have also offered their professional expertise by advertising of
the position, and they have no interest in telling us what to do. Alderman Sarff asked if
the mayor had checked with other municipalities who have used their services to see how
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successful they were? Mayor Heinze said he had not done anything yet. The committee
had the issue sent to council without any recommendation.
The Public Safety & Traffic Committee adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL
COMMITTEE – TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE POLICE
CONTRACT; PUBLIC WORKS CLERICAL POSITION; MAPLE STREET TIF
Mechanical Committee 4-25-06
ATTORNEYS; FIRE CONTRACT AMENDMENT. Motion
by Aldermen
Hartford/Berardi, to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing Police
Contract, Amendment to Fire Contract, Public Works Clerical Position, and Maple Street
TIF Attorneys. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Hartford, Berardi, Reed, Schenck. NAYS
– None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried.
The executive session minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk for review.
Recording Secretary,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk
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