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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-05 City Council Meeting Minutes A regular meeting of the Canton City Council was held on August 16, 2005 in the th Council Chambers at the Historic Depot, 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Illinois. Cub Scouts of lst Class Nathan Franciscovich and Matthew Poindexter came to the council meeting and lead the Council members in Pledge of Allegiance. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENED THE MEETING, FOLLOWED BY THE INVOCATION GIVEN BY CITY CLERK NANCY WHITES. Mayor Heinze asked for roll call at 6:30 p.m. Present – Aldermen Jim Hartford, Joe Berardi, Larry Sarff, Craig West, Les Carl, Kevin Meade, Rick Reed, Eric Schenck. Absent – None. MINUTES OF AUGUST 2, 2005 MEETING. Motion and second by Aldermen West/Hartford, the minutes of August 2, 2005 be accepted and placed on file. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. BILLS FOR JULY – VANDEWALLE & ASSOCIATES BILLS (6). Motion and second by Aldermen Carl/Sarff, all bills presented be authorized for payment. Discussion. Alderman Berardi mentioned the 6 bills from Vandewalle & Associates, some of the invoices had no dates of when occurred. There were no receipts showing the flight bill of $1590.00. Alderman Berardi mentioned that the bill sounds like a charter flight. Alderman Meade wanted to know if the bills could come up later of Vandewalle & Associates and Mayor Heinze said they could under his communication. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Reed, Meade, Carl, West, Sarff, Berardi, Hartford. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. TREASURER’S REPORT. City Treasurer Kathy Luker mentioned that budgets are not ready at this time. She remarked that she made the transfer from the Working Cash Motion fund to the Health Care Fund. and second by Aldermen Meade/Berardi, to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. City Attorney Jim Elson mentioned that Canton Day was held at the Depot where some 215 cases and $2,830 was collected in fines. And the Police Officers did not have to go to Lewistown. COMMITTEE REPORTS. Legal & Ordinance. Council Action None. Community & Industrial Development. 1 Council meeting August 16, 2005 Council Action Alderman West reported on the request from the West Central Illinois Deer and Outdoor Expo for the use of $1,000 of funds from the Hotel/Motel Tax. The City Attorney Jim Elson had given a memo to Alderman West where the memo states, “the event has to be within that municipality.” Mayor Heinze said Cooper Johnson would try to consider this in Canton next year with the City’s efforts. Negotiations, Grievance & Personnel. Council Action None. Finance. Council Action Motion and second by Aldermen Carl/Berardi, to allow the use of grant funds to purchase 2 pagers and 1 mobile radio for $1,233 from Radio Express for the Fire Department. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Hartford, Berardi, Sarff, West, Carl, Meade, Reed, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Mayor Heinze asked for Mark Rothert Economic Development Director for his report on the selling of the old city building at 210 E. Chestnut Street. Mark mentioned that 4 buyers are now interested in purchasing the property. More info will be given in executive session. Alderman Hartford met with the School District Board at the High School to ask for their help in funding for a turn lane at Eastview School. They will pursue the issue to help in funding. Referred back to the Finance Committee next month. Motion and second by Aldermen Carl/Sarff, the approval to have the Water/Sewer funds pay back the General Fund in the amount of $54,720 towards the Health Care Fund deficit. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Reed, Meade, Carl, West, Sarff, Berardi, Hartford. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Payment/receipts where to pay from for Vandewalle & Associates. Alderman Meade mentioned this is grant funds that pays Vandewalle & Associates. This is not General Fund money nor tax payers money. We need to pay their bills so we can be reimbursed, as this is how it is set up. Alderman Meade also stated that Vandewalle & Associates might have a sign contract for another year. Alderman Beardi mentioned that the City does not have a contract with Vandewalle & Associates. And he said, he did not care if 2 this is an oversight, you have to have receipts for the bills incurred. Alderman Berardi said to Alderman Meade, you’re saying because the state oversees the bills its okay! Well! They make mistakes also. Alderman Meade answered, the city pays from the General Fund first, then the Il EPA and the US EPA monitors the bills for payment from the grant funds. Mayor Heinze mentioned that was a chartered flight, and I appreciate your concerns as it was short notice when they came here. Mayor Heinze said he did not want to lose continuity, and from now on Mark Rothert will monitor the bills. Some of this now is history. Alderman Schenck said this makes a good point on their judgment. Two individuals spent 60 hours on Canton’s project. We need to know what they did last month and they should give the council a monthly report. Mark Rothert mentioned that he could be the liaison between them and the City of what has happened in the past that has not been reported. Mayor Heinze mentioned that we wanted a little more accountability. We did not have enough time to read through the contract they sent today. We do have some significant development going on right now. We need an extension of what they are working on now and with Mark Rothert overseeing. Mayor Heinze wants a 30 day period with Vandewalle & Associates, to extend their contract with Mark Rothert reporting their accountability. Alderman Berardi mentioned he was not comfortable with a 30 day extension on an open end contract. City Attorney Jim Elson said he talked with them today and the city is wanting from them a specific work order and to be approved by Council. Jim further added that he did not feel we have a binding contract with them. Alderman Meade said we are making this whole thing out of control. They have provided the city with millions of dollars and worked for us some 6 ½ years. We are making out they are cheating us. Alderman Meade then related to open end contracts. Maurer Stutz Inc and Jim Elson City Attorney all have open end contracts. We allow this as we trust them to bill us appropriately. Alderman Meade said he was outraged that we are taking this tone. Alderman Berardi answered Alderman Meade’s statement – we are not calling them crooks, you and your business would not get by of what they are doing. If Vandewalle & Associates are hurt by this, I don’t care. We are running this as a business. Alderman Schenck ask Clark Wilson how much funds are left in the grants? Clark said they are being exhausted as the bills received are rapping up those funds. The US EPA and the Il EPA decide how the bills are to be paid. Vandewalle & Associates were hired to do this for the City of Canton. Clark said he gets copies of bills and monies spend on our behalf. Motion and second by Aldermen Meade/Reed, to retain Vandewalle & Associates for another 30 days with Mark Rothert overseeing bills, and Jim Elson drawing up another contract with Vandewalle & Associates. Discussion. Alderman Sarff asked if this contract is the same for IH site. Yes! Alderman Meade said. Jim Elson mentioned that attorney fees can be paid from TIF funds. motion Alderman Schenck amended the thatfunds not to exceed $5,000 in the 30 day extension and being paid from the General Fund. Seconded by Alderman Berardi. 3 Discussion. Alderman Meade said the limit would be $5,000 from the General Fund. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Hartford Berardi, Sarff, West, Carl, Meade, Reed, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Voting on the main motion. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Reed, Meade, Carl, West, Sarff, Berardi, Hartford. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Motion and second by Aldermen Meade/Schenck, to authorize bills incurred by Vandewalle & Associates and paid by grant funds. Discussion. Alderman Sarff mentioned that Alderman Berardi raises a good point on the billing procedure with dates not listed and their chartered flight down here. Alderman Sarff further explained he agreed with Alderman Meade that we don’t like the cost on chartered flight, but it is allowable expense they choose. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Hartford, Berardi, Sarff, West, Carl, Meade, Reed, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, O ABSENT. Motion carried. Alderman Carl mentioned that when the committee met with the department heads on Motion their budgets we talked about the deficit and made these recommendations. and second by Aldermen Carl/Reed, to approve of curtailing purchases unless approval by council for Building & Grounds & Street & Garbage, and having to do with Capitol Purchases; and paying 50% of the salary for Public Works Director Cliff O’Brien, General Secretary Nancy Mackey, City Mechanic Mike Marinch from Water & Sewer Account; and not replacing the employee who retired in the Street Department; not hire Budget Administrator; and the Police and Fire Department to come up between them $70,000 in cuts. Alderman Carl felt this is a workable plan to address the deficit. Alderman Sarff wanted this information to be in the Aldermen’s packet this Friday as a line item. Alderman Berardi said he agrees except for the $70,000 between both chiefs as he does not want to pit the two departments. Fire Chief John Stanko said the fire department budget is $1,472,000.00 and Police Chief Donald Edwards mentioned the Police Department budget is $2,200,000.00. Police Chief Don Edwards mentioned that both John Stanko and him have a good working relationship. Fire Chief John Stanko mentioned to allow them time to work together as this can be done without eliminating any employees. Alderman Schenck asked if this is on top of already what they have eliminated? Alderman Carl said the amount is part of the amount already found. Alderman Meade said lets not make a motion as he would like to look at the options and agree upon them first. Voice vote. 1 nay heard from Alderman Meade. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR HEINZE. Mayor Heinze mentioned that the Water & Sewer Bond Issue should be this month. This would be the first issue. City Attorney Jim Elson mentioned that the City has to know the names of the property owners living from the Illinois River to the City. There are probably around 20 to 25 property owners. Jim suggested Fulton County Abstract to do this for us. Alderman Sarff wanted to know if they would be able to tell us by next week if they can do the work and the cost? Jim Elson said they would be able to give us a figure by next week. 4 Motion and second by Aldermen Sarff/Berardi, to allow City Attorney Jim Elson to contact Fulton County Abstract for a cost in securing homeowners names who live along the Illinois River to the City of Canton. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Mayor Heinze asked for Greg Pollitt the Water Treatment Plant Supt to give a report on the lake level. Greg said the lake level has held its own after the rains for 2 days. It’s back down now to 38 ½ inches. If you begin to conserve now what you can it won’t be so hard to do when we have to. OLD BUSINESS: ORDINANCE – RE-ZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY OF PETERSEN COMPANIES LLC, A LIMITED COMPANY IN A B-2 ZONING CONFIGURATION. Motion Second reading, read by title. and second by Aldermen Sarff/Hartford, to excuse Alderman West from voting as he is employed by Petersen Companies and this would be a conflict of interest. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Reed, Meade, Carl, West, Sarff, Berardi, Hartford. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Mayor Heinze said he would allowed each party concerning of this ordinance one (1) minute to speak. Sheila Sisk mentioned the issue is not resolved on the traffic, safety of the children, and the selection of other sites. Please vote no, and if you can’t, then make sure Petersen Companies follow through on their promises. Alderman Berardi mentioned that he appreciates the way this was handled by both parties. Motion and second by Aldermen Meade/Schenck, the ordinance be placed on its passage. Discussion. Alderman Carl mentioned that this has been the best presentation since he has been on the council. We should address the traffic and let the citizens know what is going on. Alderman Sarff said he agreed traffic coming out of the business, and making a right turn only on to Main Street. And also the idea of notifying the neighbors with some form of a sign on the property that’s being proposed for change. Alderman Sarff said he really appreciates his constituents of what they have done already. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Hartford, Berardi, West, Carl, Meade, Reed, Schenck. NAYS – Alderman Sarff. 7 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Ordinance being # 1843. NEW BUSINESS: ORDINANCE – REDEFINING THE SPENDING AUTHORITY OF THE MAYOR AND DEPARTMENT HEADS OF THE CITY OF CANTON. First reading, read by title. ORDINANCE – REDUCING SPEED LIMITS IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF GRAHAM HOSPITAL, TO WIT: ON PORTIONS OF SOUTH AVENUE B, WEST WALNUT, AND WEST MAPLE STREETS. First reading, read by title. 5 AGREEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE OF MUNICIPAL STREETS.Motion and second by Aldermen West/Hartford, the agreement be adopted. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Schenck, Reed, Meade, Carl, West, Sarff, Berardi, Hartford. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Agreement being #3736. EXECUTIVE SESSION – LAKE, BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE – TO DISCUSS THE SELLING OF TWO PARCELS OF LAND. Motion and second by Aldermen Meade/Reed, to go into executive session to discuss the selling of two parcels of land. Roll call. AYES – Aldermen Hartford, Berardi, Sarff, West, Carl, Meade, Reed, Schenck. NAYS – None. 8 AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSENT. Motion carried. Mayor Heinze asked to stay for the executive session – Aldermen, Mayor, Clerk, City Attorney, Economic Development Director. The regular scheduled Council meeting convened into executive session at 8:06 p.m. The executive session minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk for review. The regular scheduled Council meeting reconvened into open session at 9:07 p.m. Attending the open session of the Council meeting was all 8 Aldermen, Mayor Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Attorney Jim Elson, and Economic Development Director Mark Rothert. Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/West, the approval to advertise the sale of former City Building at 210 East Chestnut Street with minimum bid of $40,000 and to th include plans for the use of the building, and to be received by September 20 . Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Adjournment. Motion and second by Aldermen Hartford/Reed, to adjourn. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. The regular scheduled council meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m. Council meeting August 16, 2005 ______________________________ Nancy Whites, City Clerk APPROVED: 6 _______________________________ Rodney W. Heinze, Mayor 7