HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-08 Canton City Council Meeting Minutes
CANTON CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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Historic Depot 50 North 4 Avenue
The Canton City Council met Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council
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Chambers, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois for their regular meeting.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with prayer given by
City Clerk Nancy Whites.
OATH OF OFFICE TO PAM IHNES FOR ALDERMAN OF WARD THREE. Pam was
given the oath by Nancy Whites, City Clerk. (Pam is taken the position of former
Alderman Kevin Meade before he became mayor.)
Present – Mayor Kevin R. Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Treasurer Kathy
Luker, City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, Police Chief W. Dan Taylor, Fire Chief
Bonnie Cremer, Public Works Director Clif O’Brien, Wastewater Treatment Supt.
Joe Carruthers, Water Treatment Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, Supt Streets George
Spahn, System Maintenance Supt. Bill Terry, Video Services of Joe Ginger.
In the audience was William Whiteman, Billy Whiteman, Gerald Martin, Pete
Livers, Mike & John Luker, Chet Phillips, Brenda & Mark Rothert, news media
from Daily Ledger – John Froehling, WBYS – Randy Weaver, The Democrat –
Wendy Martin.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Aldermen
answering roll call – Eric Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, David
Nidiffer, Pam Ihnes, Jason Strandberg. Alderman absent was Sonya Lewis.
Mayor Kevin Meade said he wants to appoint an Alderman to fill the vacancy in
Ward Three due to him becoming the mayor. I submit the name of Pamela Ihnes
to you for your approval. Her back ground – Pam is reasonably recent resident of
Canton. Lives on Avenue D. Originally from Renton, Washington. Has her
Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Northern Illinois
University in DeKalb in 2007. She is currently working toward a PhD in
Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Northern.
Most recently Pam was employed as an Instructor of Psychology by Bradley
University.
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She is young, with different eyes to look at things.
Alderman Strandberg made the motion the appointment of Pamela Ihnes as
Alderman for Ward Three be confirmed. The motion carried by voice vote, and
was unanimous.
CONSENT AGENDA
1.Minutes of Council meeting June 3, 2008
2.Minutes of Clerical Committee June 10, 2008
3.Treasurer’s Report
4.Budget Report
City Treasurer Kathy Luker mentioned that in the Treasurer’s Report the City had
5 payrolls in May and the payment to SRPED was paid also in May.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to approve the Minutes of Council meeting June
3 and Clerical Committee June 10, and the Treasurer’s Report and Budget Report.
Was duly seconded by Alderman West. The motion carried by voice vote, and
was unanimous.
BILLS
Alderman Sarff made the motion all bills properly presented be paid. Was duly
seconded by Alderman West. Discussion. Alderman Berardi said he wanted the
Finance Chairman to explain the role in paying Vandewalle & Associates
$180,000. I have only seen them once here at our meetings. Who audits what
they give us? Bell Boyd & Lloyd I have seen once. EOI spend $100,000 never
seen the date they have been here, or person performing. I want to know, the
citizens have a right to know. We’re looking at million dollars and am satisfied
what the Economic Director Mark Rothert as he comes to our meetings, and we
see him often and were only paying him a measly $85,000. Want to know what is
going on in my ward with EPA?
Alderman Strandberg said, it has been a year since closed out ITT, time to invite
Bell Boyd & Lloyd and Vandewalle & Associates, back but not to be grilled.
Mayor Meade commented that he and City Attorney Chrissie Peterson have detail
monthly reports. Not pleased with the speed they are progressing. EOI does all
the testing at the IH site. Almost all their money is grant funds. Not reasonable
for them to be at council.
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Alderman Berardi said he disagrees as this is his money. I also want to grill these
guys. Paying Vandewalle & Associates same as Economic Director, and I’d rather
have Mark Rothert do the work. Everything is a hidden agenda.
Mayor Meade called for an executive session next week for Law Suits. Roll call.
AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Schenck. NAYS –
Alderman Berardi. 7 AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance.
Council Action
Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association for payment #2 in the
amount of $212,151.60.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to approve payment #2 in the amount of
$212,151.60 to the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association. Was
duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck,
Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1
ABSENT. Motion carried.
Hotel/Motel Tax request from Community Concert Association of $2,000 for
advertising.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to allow $2,000 for advertising to the
Community Concert Association. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg.
Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi,
Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
Squad Car Light Bar from State Bid in the amount of $1,485.00.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to allow the expenditure of $1,485.00 to
purchase Light Bar from the State Bid for the new police squad car. Was duly
seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi,
Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1
ABSENT. Motion carried.
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Radio Antenna Relocation from Supreme Radio Communications in the amount
of $2,268.49.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to allow the expenditure for the Radio Antenna
to be placed at the Public Safety Building, 2 North Main in the amount of
$2,268.49 from the General Fund. Was duly seconded by Alderman Berardi.
Discussion. Police Chief W. Dan Taylor mentioned he had contacted Supreme
Radio for the cost on a new Antenna. The cost would be $1,200 new and the
additional cost. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West,
Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion
carried.
Upgrade of Mobile Radios from Ragan Communications in the amount of
$6,715.80.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to accept the Upgrade of Mobile Radios from
Ragan Communications in the amount of $6,715.80. Was duly seconded by
Alderman Berardi. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West,
Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion
carried.
Legal & Ordinance.
Council Action
Ari’s Supper Club Liquor License.
Alderman West made the motion to allow for ARI’s on the East Side Square to
have a Supper Club Liquor License. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Roll
call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck.
NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
Bid results for Bradley Corner Sewage Pumping Station Improvement in the
amount of $138,000.
Alderman West made the motion to accept the bid from Leander Construction for
Bradley Corner Sewage Pumping Station Improvements in the amount of
$138,000. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen
Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES,
0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
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Community & Industrial Development.
Council Action
Lot 13 in the Industrial Park from Trac Equipment.
City Attorney Chrissie Peterson said she would be meeting with Tony Fahrenbruch
owner of Trac Equipment to seek suggestions from him, and will bring to next
week’s Lake, Buildings & Grounds committee.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR KEVIN R. MEADE.
Appointments.
Alderman Nidiffer made the motion the appointment of Committee chairs and
members be confirmed. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The
motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
The Committees and their members are:
Finance
Jason Strandberg – Chair
Larry Sarff
Pam Ihnes
David Nidiffer
Legal & Ordinance
David Nidiffer – Chair
Larry Sarff
Jason Strandberg
Pam Ihnes
Community Development
Pam Ihnes – Chair
Larry Sarff
David Nidiffer
Jason Strandberg
Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel
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Larry Sarff – Chair
Pam Ihnes
Jason Strandberg
David Nidiffer
Public Safety
Joseph Berardi – Chair
Sonya Lewis
Craig West
Eric Schenck
Streets & Garbage
Craig West – Chair
Sonya Lewis
Eric Schenck
Joseph Berardi
Lake, Buildings & Grounds
Sonya Lewis – Chair
Joseph Berardi
Eric Schenck
Craig West
Public Works, Water & Sewer
Eric Schenck – Chair
Sonya Lewis
Craig West
Joseph Berardi
Mayor Kevin R. Meade reported that Lt. Governor Pat Quinn would been in town
on Wednesday at the Spoon River College. His purpose is for the Portrait of A
Soldier exhibit. It is a series of hand drawn portraits of more than 180 Illinois men
and women who have died in service to our country since September 11, 2001.
The exhibition will be on display in the hallways on the main floor of the Centers
building on the Canton campus. The unveiling will take place June 18 at 4:00
p.m. Alderman Schenck said one of the pictures is his friend Ted Fitzhenry.
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Mayor Kevin R. Meade gave a update on the purchase of the Randolph Building.
Contractor started work on the building today.
GABBY Days will be Saturday and Sunday this week, June 21 & 22. Move your
kids bikes from the curbs and terraces.
OLD BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE – RE-ZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY OF WILLIAM AND VIVIAN
WHITEMAN FROM R-2 TO A B-2 ZONING CONFIGURATION. Second reading,
read by title. Alderman Sarff made the motion to hold the ordinance over to next
council meeting of July 1 . Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg.
Discussion. Mayor Kevin R. Meade said Mr. Whiteman has retained legal counsel.
The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
ORDINANCE – AMENDING SECTION 7-1-6-5 (LIEN AND PERSONAL JUDGEMENT)
OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. Second reading, read by title. Alderman
Sarff made the motion the ordinance be placed on its passage. Was duly
seconded by Alderman West. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes,
Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT.
Motion carried. Ordinance being #1935.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE – AMENDING CHAPTER 14 (OFF STREET PARKING AND LOADING
REQUIREMENTS) OF TITLE 10 (ZONING) OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE.
First reading, read by title. Discussion. Alderman Berardi asked what is the
present ordinance on apartments in the Randolph Building? And how many
parking spaces are allowed? Has it been addressed? And behind Palm Café the
parking lot, has it been addressed for the Randolph Building?
Mayor Kevin R. Meade said discussion has taken place on parking for the
Randolph Building and the owner plans to put parking behind the building. I don’t
have the ordinance in front of me, but we can discuss those issues.
Alderman Schenck suggested placing the issue on the Legal & Ordinance
committee agenda and follow up with a draft ordinance.
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Alderman Berardi remarked, we don’t have a choice, need due diligence and
having zoning officer Keith Plavec working with SRPED. And for them to come up
with alternatives.
City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned this follows up Multiple Family
Housing, which provides 1.5 parking spaces per each residential unit. They can ask
for a variance from zoning Board of Appeals. And they do ask that agreement be
reduced to writing with council. The ordinance will address parking situations.
Alderman Schenck ask does it address the downtown?
City Attorney Chrissie Peterson answered. The ordinance provides and applies to
R-3 and R-4; B-1, B-2 and B-3 for downtown.
Alderman Berardi said when the residents have visitors, be prepared to have
answers.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade stated, the fact we have problems with parking is exciting.
Will send to the Legal & Ordinance Committee.
ORDINANCE – AMENDING TITLE 4 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE ADDITION
OF CHAPTER 5, ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
FACILITIES ON THE RIGHTS-OF-WAY. First reading, read by title. Discussion.
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Alderman Berardi said at 5 and Birch by Katy & Tory’s the encroachment needs
to be resolved. Wants on the agenda of Public Works, Water & Sewer.
RESOLUTION – ASCERTAINING THE PREVAILING RATE OF WAGES FOR
LABORERS, MECHANICS AND OTHER WORKMEN EMPLOYED IN ANY PUBLIC
WORKS BY THE CITY OF CANTON, ILLINOIS. First reading, read by title.
Alderman West made the motion the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded
by Alderman Berardi. The motion carried by voice vote, and was unanimous.
Resolution being #3865.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade said, like to recognize that tonight is Kathy Luker’s final
meeting with us. Don’t smile, Kathy! Kathy has served in a exemplary way as our
treasurer. We are very sad to lose her. She has done fundamental things for us.
We are in very good financial shape, and we owe in large part to her guidance
through these last three years. She will be sorely missed is an understatement.
We’re still looking for her replacement, please call my office.
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A reception for her will be held June 20 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the
office of the City Clerk Nancy Whites. I want to express council’s appreciation to
Kathy for her time and commitment and the job she has done.
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Alderman Jason Strandberg said he would like to also thank Kathy for her service.
And just this year that I have served as alderman she has made my job easier.
And I think it is a major understatement to say you are a very highly value
employee to the City. And I don’t think many people realize this until your gone.
I really hope you get to a place where you are appreciated, and get the credit you
deserve. And now that I’m Finance Chairman I’m going to cry. Good luck!
Kathy Luker said she is going to miss everyone. Really enjoyed working with all
city workers and everyone I see here and all other ones you don’t see here that
works in all departments. I’ll miss all of them. I really appreciate all the citizens
that voted for me and definitely encouraged me when I seen them on the street,
or anywhere else. I appreciate their thoughts and appreciate everyone. Thank
you!
The council members and all those present gave Kathy a round of applause and
standing ovation.
The regular scheduled council meeting convened for executive session at 7:12
p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL – DISCUSS
FIRE DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS: EVIDENCE COMPUTER UPGRADE: AND,
PERSONNEL. Alderman Sarff made the motion to go in to executive session for
Fire Department Negotiations, Evidence Computer Upgrade, and Personnel. Was
duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by voice vote, and
was unanimous.
The regular scheduled council meeting convened into open session at 7:28 p.m.
Alderman West made the motion to allow the approval of expenditure $3,400 for
the Police Department making upgrades to evidence computer. Was duly
seconded by Alderman Sarff. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes,
Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT.
ADJOURN
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There being no further business Alderman Sarff made the motion to
adjourn. Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. The motion carried by
voice vote, and was unanimous.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
____________________________,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk
APPROVED:
___________________________,
Kevin R. Meade, Mayor
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