HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-08 Canton City Council Meeting Minutes
The Canton City Council meeting was held on October 21, 2008 in Council
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Chambers at the Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois.
Those in attendance – Mayor Kevin R. Meade, City Clerk Nancy Whites, Deputy
Clerk Diana Tucker, Interim City Treasurer Julie Smick, City Attorney Chrissie
Peterson, Police Chief W. Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer, Public Works
Director Clif O’Brien, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supt. Joe Carruthers, Water
Treatment Plant Supt. Greg Pollitt, Joe Ginger Video Services.
In the audience was news media of Larry Eskridge from the Daily Ledger, Mark
Bixler from WBYS radio, Wendy Martin from The Democrat; Gil Johnson, John
McCarthy – attorney, Police Officer Rick Nichols.
Pledge of Allegiance opened the meeting, followed by the Invocation given by City
Clerk Nancy Whites.
Mayor Kevin R. Meade asked for roll call at 6:30 p.m. Present – Aldermen Eric
Schenck, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, David Nidiffer, Pam Ihnes, Jason
Strandberg. Absent – Sonya Lewis.
CONSENT AGENDA
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Minutes of Council meeting held October 7, 2008.
Minutes of Clerical Committee meeting held on October 14, 2008.
Alderman West made the motion the consent agenda be accepted and placed on
file. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. Motion was unanimous by voice
vote.
BILLS.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to accept all bills as presented for payment.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen
Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Schenck. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 6
AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT.
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Alderman Ihnes made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Was duly
seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Motion was unanimous by voice vote.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance – Alderman Jason Strandberg, Chairman
Elected Officials Salary.
Alderman Strandberg mentioned we have 6 months for the salaries to be
determined. We decided last week the mayor’s pay would be a $500.00 a year
increase, with salary now of $19,500.00. The Aldermen’s salary would remind the
same of $3,600 a year. We decided to make the Treasurer’s position part-time
and lowering the pay to $18,000 and also lowering the duties. And we talked
about a finance officer. Also discussed cost of living for the city clerk’s position.
Mayor Meade suggested 6% increase for the first year with 3% the next three
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years for the city clerk’s position. On November 4 council has to pass the
ordinance, and it would be first reading.
Alderman Strandberg made the motion to send the ordinance for salaries of
mayor, aldermen, city clerk and treasurer to the Mechanical Committee meeting
for October 28 for discussion. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Motion
was unanimous by voice vote.
Legal & Ordinance – Alderman David Nidiffer, Chairman
None.
Community & Industrial Development – Alderman Pam Ihnes, Chairman
Hotel/Motel Tax request for the city web-site fees.
Alderman Ihnes made the motion to allow paying ½ of the $900 fee, and paid
from the Hotel/Motel Tax funds. 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.
Illinois River Road Kiosk.
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Alderman Ihnes made the motion to allow the placement of the Kiosk in Jones
Park. Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff. Discussion. Alderman Berardi
asked why Jones Park to place the Kiosk? Alderman Schenck said Canton is
Gateway Community for the Scenic byway. The loop surrounds us, and the
downtown area placement of the Kiosk hope to draw people to the downtown.
Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi,
Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
Sale of corner of Main & Locust, IH property and Industrial Park.
Alderman Strandberg made the motion for the City to be allowed to gage interest
in surplus land the city owns of IH site, the Industrial Park, and Main & Locust
parking lot. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned that a notice would be
published for 3 consecutive weeks with one time each week. Was duly seconded
by Alderman Sarff. Motion carried unanimous by voice vote.
Work Order Number 0001 for SRPED and the City of Canton.
Alderman Sarff made the motion enter into an agreement with Spoon River
Partnership for Economic Development with pursuing grants for infrastructure at
the former International Harvester site in the amount of additional $10,000, with
revised total of $95,000. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. Alderman
Schenck said Mark Rothert was to make reports to the City of accounting of
various activities, and we don’t have any of those reports. I will support this.
Alderman Berardi said he would not support the agreement increase of $10,000
as Vandewalle & Associates are doing the same thing, and we don’t need another
$10,000 to do this work. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Sarff, West,
Nidiffer, Ihnes, Strandberg. NAYS – Alderman Berardi. 6 AYES, 1 NAY, 1 ABSENT.
Motion carried.
Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel – Alderman Larry Sarff, Chairman.
Health Insurance Responsibilities.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to have a proposal for individual duties for the
Deputy Clerk at a salary of $34,000.00. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer.
Discussion. Alderman Berardi said the history of the deputy clerk position was
$21,000. Now an increase of $13,000 to work 8 hours with not deciding what the
position has done. The deputy clerk position would be making more than the city
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clerk, and this position of deputy clerk does not require that amount of money. If
you have insurance problems call Health Alliance. Your asking for her boss to
make less and the boss has more experience. We are sending a wrong message
to our community.
Alderman Sarff said, Joe, you throw out numbers, this job has software the city
purchased of Human Resource work that Diana has taken on. Diana is doing a
good job, and the position is good for the city. We are fortunate to have
someone in the city that can take one on. Alderman Berardi said a few courses
does not make the course.
Alderman Sarff said my goal is to make this as a professional position within the
city, with some continuity with a period of time. We had continuity for 20 years
in three positions. We don’t have that now. This would be a clerical position with
continuity. Alderman Berardi mentioned the issue is not on the agenda. Mayor
Meade stated, we are approving the health insurance to be done in house with
the deputy clerk. Alderman Nidiffer said he has been impressed with Diana and
we could be looking at twice the amount of $34,000. Instead of having the
employees going to the clerk, or attorney this will solve our problems by 50%.
Mayor Meade said if this is approved tonight a ordinance will be sent to next
week’s meeting for discussion. Alderman Berardi asked if the salary would be
given to anyone else that comes into that position? Mayor Meade said it has to
be set by council every year. Motion carried unanimous by voice vote.
Maintenance Position.
Alderman Sarff made the motion to allow the Public Works Director Clif O’Brien
post the position of janitorial duties, and general duties of building and grounds.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer. The motion was unanimous voice vote.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR KEVIN MEADE –
Reminder of the TIF meeting at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday October 22, at the Depot.
Will be discussing potential TIF taxing District. Basically it’s what we may want to
do, or not do, with our TIF Districts. There will be no action taken.
Went to Springfield yesterday where part of a group accepted “Hometown
Award” for the City of the finalize director’s cup. There were eight categories that
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are arranged by population and we were ranged in 15,000 to 20,000. This is for
our seniors initiative put on by the Spoon River College.
Leaf Program. Public Works Director Clif O’Brien said don’t put them out now.
When you do, put them only on the terraces in another week or two. They will be
picked up by the garbage route. This will be a five week program.
Fire Chief Bonnie Cremer mentioned leaf burning must be natural growth only.
Burning is allowed Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to
dusk, and monitored full time, and be 20 feet from a structure. And has to be
burnt on your property, and not in the street.
Mayor Meade said we have a yard waste facility on Cedar Street.
Originally there was to have CD’s bid opening, but was not on the agenda. Will
send to Public Works & Sewer Committee next week.
OLD BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE – PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 65 ILCS 5-11-15.1e.seq. EXPRESSING THE
INTENT OF THE CORPORATE AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF CANTON, ILLINOIS TO
ENTER INTO ANNEXATION AGREEMENT WITH PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE
WESTGATE SUBDIVISION, CANTON, ILLINOIS. Second reading, read by title.
Alderman Sarff made the motion for the ordinance to be placed on its passage.
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. Ordinance being #1947.
ORDINANCE – CREATING FUND 017 (ARTICLE 36 SEIZURES) AND FUND 018
(DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY) AND AMENDING THE FY 2008-2009 BUDGET TO
REFLECT THE SAME. Second reading, read by title. Alderman West made the
motion for the ordinance to be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded by
Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Police Chief W. Dan Taylor mentioned under
certain crimes and using your car to commit the crime, your vehicle can be seized.
Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi,
Schenck. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance
being #1948.
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ORDINANCE – PROVIDING WATER SERVICE TO PROPERTY LYING OUTSIDE THE
CITY’S CORPORATE LIMITS WITHOUT REQUIRING AN ANNEXATION
AGREEMENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-20-2 OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE.
Second reading, read by title. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion for the
ordinance to be placed on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman West.
Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes,
Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
Ordinance being #1949.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE – REPEALING SECTIONS 7(A) (2) AND 7(A) (5) OF TITLE 6, CHAPTER 4
OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. (VICIOUS ANIMALS). First reading, read by
title. Alderman Strandberg made the motion to suspend the rules to pass the
ordinance on first reading. 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.
Alderman Nidiffer made the motion the ordinance to be placed on its passage.
Was duly seconded by Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. Alderman Schenck
made an amendment to repeal 7 (A) (5). Was duly seconded by Alderman Sarff.
Discussion. Alderman Schenck said 7 (A) (2) is not in conflict with the State
Statute. Alderman Strandberg said he fears the ordinance is too vague and to
broad. Alderman Nidiffer said he would not support an amendment, and wants
to continue to look at the ordinance down the road. Alderman Schenck said if the
ordinance is not amended, you might as well get rid of the entire section. If you
don’t deal with it, you will deal with it after they attack. Roll call. (Amendment)
AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Sarff. NAYS – Aldermen Berardi, West, Nidiffer,
Ihnes, Strandberg. 2 AYES, 5 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Amendment defeated.
Alderman Schenck said he was glad to hear will revisit the ordinance. Staci Mayall
of the Humane Society thanked the Aldermen, the police department and animal
control officer for taking commend of animals running at large. Roll call. AYES –
Aldermen Strandberg, Ihnes, Nidiffer, West, Sarff, Berardi, Schenck. NAYS –
None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being #1950.
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ORDINANCE – RE-ZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON
COUNTY, ILLINOIS. (E & M REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC.) First reading, read by
title. Attorney John McCarthy mentioned that the property is at 825 Grant Place
and is a warehouse Gil and Michelle Johnson will renovate into residential duplex.
The Re-zoning request is for R-3. Mayor Meade said the Plat will be presented at
next ‘s week’s meeting of Streets & Garbage Committee, since it was not on the
agenda tonight.
RESOLUTION – WATER PRE-ANNEXATION WITH LYLE & RUTH MASSINGALE.
First reading, read by title. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to place the
ordinance on its passage. Was duly seconded by Alderman Ihnes. The motion
was by voice vote and unanimous. Resolution being #3870.
RESOLUTION – AMENDING THE PERSONNEL POLICY FOR THE CITY OF CANTON,
FULTON COUNTY, ILLINIOS. First reading, read by title. Alderman Sarff made
the motion the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded by Alderman Nidiffer.
Discussion. Mayor Meade explained that we need more discussion. The motion
and second withdrawn. Mayor Meade stated the resolution will be sent to the
Personnel Committee.
RESOLUTION – APPROVING WORK ORDER #3 FOR CONTINUED BROWNFIELDS
PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES BETWEEN VANDEWALLE &
ASSOCIATES, AND THE CITY OF CANTON. First reading, read by title. Alderman
Nidiffer made the motion the resolution be adopted. Was duly seconded by
Alderman Strandberg. Discussion. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson mentioned
this is for the work on the Northwest corner of the IH site and funded by US EPA
Grant funds. Alderman Berardi said he had asked sometime before if Vandewalle
& Associates are getting paid from the City? If Vandewalle & Associates are the
ones that obtained the grants, why pay SRPED to seek grants? The resolution
says this is for two years and before the agreement was always one year.
Mayor Meade said we are not locked in. The administrative liaison is Mark
Rothert. City Attorney Chrissie Peterson commented that Mark was not
employed by the city.
Alderman Berardi said he wanted to add on the names of the mayor and SRPED.
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Interim City Treasurer Julie Smick said the bills are paid from the general fund,
when the TIF generates enough funds, the city’s general fund will be reimbursed.
Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Berardi, Sarff, West, Nidiffer, Ihnes,
Strandberg. NAYS – None. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSENT. Motion carried.
Resolution being #3871.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
TO DISCUSS – PERSONNEL; AND , PENDING LITIGATION. Mayor Meade said we
would only need the Pending Litigation. Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to
go into executive session to discuss Pending Litigation. Was duly seconded by
Alderman Sarff. The motion was unanimous by voice vote.
The regular scheduled council meeting convened into executive session at 7:46
p.m.
The regular scheduled council meeting reconvened in open session at 8:12 p.m.
ADJOURN
There being no other business Alderman Nidiffer made the motion to adjourn the
Council meeting at 8:12 p.m. Was duly seconded by Alderman West. Motion
carried unanimous by voice vote.
_________________________________,
Nancy Whites, City Clerk
APPROVED:
_______________________________,
Kevin Meade, Mayor
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