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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2013 Council 1st Meeting Minutes A regular meeting of the Canton City Council was held on May 7, 2013 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers, The Donald E. Edwards Way-50 North 4th Avenue, Canton, Illinois 61520. 15L meeting Staff in attendance: Mayor Kevin Meade, City Treasurer Nicole Marter, City Administrator Jim Snider, City Clerk Diana Pavley, Comptroller Caty Campbell, Police Chief Dan Taylor, Fire Chief Keith Frank, City Engineer Keith Plavek, WTP Superintendent Greg Pollitt, WWTP Superintendent Joe Carruthers, Public Works Director Bill Terry Media in attendance: Daily Ledger- John Froehling, Peoria Journal Star Video Services by Joe Ginger Others in the audience: Amanda Jordan, John Lovell, Jim Nelson, Alyssa Lovell, Kim Lovell, Kayla Lovell, Missy Towery, Denise Colglazier, Dan Rock, Greg Lingenfelter, Bill Dodds, Jim Stratton, Kevin Williams, Phil Fleming, Clint Peterson, Chrissie Peterson, Jennie Frank, Lee Puleo, Mike Eveland, Rick Nichols, Ralph and Marian Paul, Mike Luker, John Luker, John Marter III, Teri Meade, Kathleen Luker PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENED THE MEETING FOLLOWED BY THE INVOCATION GIVEN BY CITY ADMINISTRATOR JIM SNIDER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 11M STRATTON-NORTH CANTON MINE SUPPORT FROM SPOON RIVER PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development's mission and purpose is to serve as a catalyst for economic and community development by capitalizing on community partnerships, business development opportunities and implementation of programs and projects that foster growth and development. A main focus of the Partnership is on job creation, growth and retention. The North Canton Mine project proposed by Capital Resources Development Company is projected to bring 45 full-time jobs with good wages for area residents. According to the State of Illinois, "mining also generates spin-off jobs in transportation, manufacturing and retail trades, providing economic security and social structure for many Illinois communities while generating additional state and local tax revenues. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security Fulton County has one of the highest jobless rates in the region. Fulton County's unemployment rate is recorded at 12.2 percent in January 2013. Adding more primary and spin-off jobs to the area will help us to improve upon our unemployment rate and local economy. We support jobs and we support and trust in the various state/federal agencies and experts who have the authority to regulate mining and its impacts. With the economic impact of this project and its approval by federal and state regulatory agencies, we urge your continued support of this project. Jim added a few ending comments regarding the involvement of the state/federal agencies involved and three of the four agencies have already issued permits. Jim further stated that not everyone on the board is supportive of this project and has various interests. Their board is unanimous in the job creation. BILL DODDS Bill Dodds explained that there has been a lot of discussion during the permitting process. Bill stated that he decided to visit with various people regarding the impact of the mine. A presentation was made by Bill Dodds. The presentation consisted of several interviews with various individuals regarding the industry community. KEVIN WILLIAMS- WATER SEDIMENTATION WEST BRANCH COPPERAS CREEK Kevin Williams thanked the Council for letting him speak this evening. Kevin gave a video presentation about soil erosion and agricultural environment compared to the coal mine environment. ROU CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The Motion Carried. CONSENT AGENDA Minutes of Council meetin~ held April 16. 2013 Minutes of Mechanical Committee meetin~ held April 23. 2013 Motion and second was made by Aidermen Hartford/Pickel to accept the minutes as presented and be placed on file. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC SAFETY & TRAFFIC - ALDERMAN JIM HARTFORD, CHA/RMAN APPROVAL OF CLASS F(SPECIAL EVENTSI LIQUOR LICENSE FOR WILLETT'S WINERY & CELLAR FOR ART ON MAIN. An application was submitted for a class F(SPECIAL EVENT) liquor license for Art on Main in June that is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Willet's Winery will have wine tasting and bottles of wine for sale. The liquor commission met and made the recommendation to send to Council for consideration. The event will be held on Saturday from 12:00-6:OOpm and Sunday 12:00-S:OOpm to have a wine tasting at the festival. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Pasley to approve the Class F liquor license for Art on Main to be held June 1 and June 2, 2013. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. JUST TO MAKE FRIENDS. INC. DBA GENERATIONS Generations bar closed approximately one month ago after the State revoked their liquor license for nonpayment of taxes. The City revoked the City liquor license. A class A liquor license will now be available. Motion and second were made by Atdermen Hartford/Fritz to revoke the City liquor license. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. FIRE DEPARTMENT STAFFING Chief Frank is requesting that the Canton Fire and Police commission do the following: 1. Promote the appropriate person to assistant chief due to the retirement of assistant Chief Grove. 2. Promote the appropriate person to Lieutenant to replace the promoted Assistant Chief, as soon as the Lieutenants list is completed. 3. Appoint a new firefighter due to AC Grove's retirement to bring the manpower up to the strength of 5 firefighters per shift. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Pickel to direct the Canton Fire and Police Commission to allow for the recommended staffing changes. Mayor Meade explained that the Council sends the recommendation to the police and fire commission, and then it is up to the commission to make the final determination The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. STREETS AND GARBAGE- ALDERMAN JUSTIN NELSON. CHAIRMAN LAKE, BUILDINCS & GROUNDS - ALDERMAN ERIC SCHENCK, CHA/RMAN POLICE AND FIRE TRAINING FACILITY Chief Dan Taylor explained that he discussed at last week's meeting the plans to construct a range building by the east side treatment plant to go in conjunction with the fire and police training facility. The structure is a 28x52 foot structure and would be constructed by the Canton High School building trades class. Bids would need to be obtained for the concrete work and the heating and cooling. Chief Taylor stated that he has received some quotes on the building in the area of $52,200.00. The recommendation is to use non- taxpayer money from the federal drug asset forfeiture fund. The building will be used for the storage of the search warrant entry truck , the range supplies and for a classroom for briefings/instructions etc. Chief Taylor is requesting from Council to enter into a contract with the school to construct the building. The committee's recommendation was to approve the contract with the allocation of the $52,200.00 from the federal drug asset forfeiture fund. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Schenck/Pickel to enter into a contract with the allocation of $52,200.00 from the federal drug asset forfeiture fund. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. PAVILLION AT CANTON LAKE Keith Plavec put together some cost estimates of material to be used for the pavilion at Canton Lake based on the assumption that the work would be done by city staff and volunteers. The structure would be for a 16x20 pavilion at Canton Lake by the shower house. Alexander lumber quote was $1800.00 for the material. The concrete floor quote was $800.00. The total cost for material would be $2600.00 and the City staff would do the work. The recommendation from committee was to allow up to $4,000.00 for the project. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Schenck/Hartford to approve the project up to $4,000.00 for the pavilion. Discussion: Alderman Pasley explained that he would like to have this item go back to a committee for further discussion with the new council. Alderman Pasley stated that he feels it will be very difficult to keep the new pavilion clean and free from graffiti. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. PUBLIC WORKS, WATER & SEWER - ALDERMAN GERALD ELLIS, CHA/RMAN TRUE VALUE GARDEN CENTER IMPROVEMENTS BY OTTO BAUM Alderman Ellis stated that due to the price and value of the improvements he would recommend sending this item back to the next Community and Industrial Development committee and have the new council review the information. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Pasley to send to the next committee for further discussion APPLICATION FOR PAYMENT NO. 9 FOR THE WTP FILTER REHAB PROJECT FROM ALL SERVICES CONTRACTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $10.474.61 The application submitted is for the last work completed on filter # 4. The remaining work is on filter # 2. This will be paid from the bond funds. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the application for payment no 9 for the WTP filter rehab project from All Services Contracting in the amount of $10,474.61. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. SPOON RIVER COLLEGE BIKE TRAIL- LETTER OF SUPPORT There was discussion at a previous meeting regarding the Spoon River College Bike Trail. The County recommended submitting the $25,000.00 that was budgeted in FY11. There is some concern about the particular route that they are using and the possible relocation of a water main. If the trail is put in this particular area, it would create a significant cost for the City. The recommendation from committee was not to send the money until the County designated an alternate route. City Engineer Keith Plavec will be working with the County on the route and will keep the council informed. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to send a letter of support of intention that the City plans to support the trait if it doesn't affect the City water lines or issue a check until a new design is submitted. City Engineer Keith Plavec explained the location of the water main with the current proposed trail. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried MUNICIPAL ESTIMATE OF MAINTENANCE COSTS City Engineer Keith Plavec discussed the various streets that would be included in the proposed improvements. The total estimated costs woutd be $463,453.57. Of this amount $316,229.12 would be MFT funds, $147,224.45 would be TIF funds. $250,000.00 was budgeted for the 2013-2014 year in the TIF funds for infrastructure. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to accept the municipal estimate of maintenance costs. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. REQUEST FOR EXPENDITURE/AUTHORIZATION OF MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the request for expenditure/authorization of motor fuel tax funds. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING TO BE PERFORMED BY A CONSULTING ENGINEER (M51) Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the maintenance engineering to be performed by a consulting engineer (MSI) in the amount of $30,025.12. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR KEVIN R. MEADE BRIGHT SPOT AWARD This month's bright spot is awarded to the property located at 127 West Locust. The ornamental weeping cherry was planted by Evelyn Hackney and the property is owned by her daughter Amanda Hackney. RECOGNITION OF ALDERMAN HARTFORD AND ALDERMAN SCHENCK Alderman Hartford served as Alderman for Ward 1 from May 1995-2007 and from May 2009- May 2013. Alderman Schenck served as Alderman from May 2005-May 2013. Both Aldermen received a plaque in recognition of their years of service. Alderman Schenck and Alderman Hartford thanked the citizens for their support over the years. OLD BUSINESS AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH ERIC MATHEWS. (2ND READING) #3014 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Pickel/Hartford to approve the ordinance and place it on record. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. BCBS HEALTH CARE RENEWAL City Administrator Jim Snider explained that the City worked with Rick Semonis again this year in the negotiation and renewat of the group's medical and dental plan. The reduction in cost was approximately 1.7 million dollars. The initial premium was 11.3% but this was negotiated down to 5.6%. The negotiated rate saves the City a considerable amount of money. ($150,000.00-$160,000.00) The insurance committee made the recommendation to send to Council for approval. The City is aware and concerned about the affordable care act and the impact that it will have on the City. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the BCBS Health Care renewal. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. HEALTH ALLIANCE INSURANCE RENEWAL The Health Alliance (dental plan) is a.10 cent increase. MOTION and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Nelson to approve the Health Alliance Renewal Contract. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: A RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE OF STREETS AND HIGHWAYS BY MUNICIPALITY UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE. #4023 MOTION and second were made by Aldermen Pickel/Hartford to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND ESDA #4024 MOTION and second were made by Aldermen West/Nelson to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND KEMPER CONSTRUCTION INC. #4025 MOTION and second were made by Aldermen Hartford/Pickel to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND ANDREW STUCKEY. #4026 Motion and second were made by Aidermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH RICK HAMMOND FOR 46 WEST CHESTNUT The purchase price was $50,000.00 for the building which is no longer standing due to the demolition of the building located next to 46 West Chestnut. MOTION and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Nelson to approve the purchase agreement. Discussion: Alderman Pasley stated that he is bothered by this purchase agreement. There are too many questions that need to be answered before the agreement is approved. Alderman Pasley further explained that there are insurance questions that need to be answered due to the accident that resulted from the demolition of the neighboring building. Mayor Meade explained that the City already agreed to purchase the building prior to the building falling down during the demolition of the neighboring building. Alderman Pasley said that "intent" does not institute action. Alderman Pasley asked how the City can pay $50,000.00 without a contract and the building has since fallen down. Mayor Meade stated that the City was buying the building to tear it down. The building was now torn down without any cost to the city due to the accident that resulted from the demolition of the neighboring building. This saved the City $6,000.00 for demolition costs of the building. The city was going to buy the building for $50,000.00 and then the City was planning on tearing down the building for use of a lot. Alderman Pasley stated that the City should not be in a hurry to approve the purchase of the property before all of the insurance questions are answered. Alderman Ellis said the City agreed with a verbal agreement to purchase the building. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Pickel X Alderman Hartford X Alderman Schenck X Alderman Pasley X Alderman West X Alderman Fritz X Alderman Ellis X Alderman Nelson X The motion carried. ABSTRACT OF VOTES BY CITY CLERK A certified copy of the canvass of votes cast at the consolidated election held in Fulton County on April 9, 2013 was submitted and is on file. Following are the results of the April 9, 2013 consolidated election 2,648 votes were cast for Mayor. Kevin Meade 1,109 Steve Cape 376 *Jeffrey Fritz 1,163 2,295 votes were cast for City Clerk *Diana Pavley2,295 2553 votes were cast for treasurer Nicole A Marter 759 *Kathleen A Luker 1,794 647 votes were cast for Ward 1 Alderman James W Hartford 155 *Jim Nelson 492 939 votes were cast for ward 2 Alderman *Craig West 342 Eric Arnold 258 Tad Putrich 339 530 votes were cast for ward 3 Alderman *Gerald W. Ellis 301 Rosolino Puleo 229 476 votes were cast for ward 4 4year Alderman *John Lovell 272 Eric Schenck 204 418 votes were cast for ward 4 2 year term for Alderman Jeremy Pasley 418 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Pickel/Hartford to approve the abstract of votes. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. RECOGNITION OF MAYOR KEVIN R MEADE AND CURRENT ADMINISTRATION Alderman Jeffrey Fritz presented a plaque to Mayor Meade for the accomplishments of the current administration. Mayor Meade served as Alderman from 1987-2002 and 2005-2007. Mayor Meade served as the Mayor for the City of Canton from 2008-2013. OATH OF OFFICE TO CITY CLERK Mayor Kevin Meade gave the official oath of office to City Clerk Diana Pavley CIOSING STATEMENT FROM MAYOR KEVIN MEADE Tonight we close the chapter on my 5 year service as mayor. I have been coming to these meetings for 24 of the last 26 years. As the late Harlan Bannister used to say, "I have paid my civic rent". It has been a privilege and honor to have served the citizens of Canton. I have seen the depths of the depression with the closing of the IH plant in the 80's and the heights of elation on December 11, 2008 when we were across the street announcing the first of the Cook plants. I doubt that I will ever be involved with a more joyous occasion, one at which you could visibly see the years of yearning and hope for a brighter future become a reality. Canton has overcome the restraints that hold so many cities back and is poised for much greater things. You don't accomplish great things by accident , nor do you accomplish them alone. While the mayor often gets the credit (as well as the blame) for most of what happens, it would not be possible without a strong team. It is said that success has many fathers ( and I might add, mothers) while failure is an orphan. While I don't have time to begin to name all that have been involved in Canton's success, 1 will name a few and apologize to those not mentioned. It is only the constraints of time and not appreciation that causes the omission. As a community, we have worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce, School District, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, Graham and Spoon River College so that we were all pulling in the same direction. These organizations have enjoyed great leadership and it has made my job easier. Internally, I have had a wonderful team to work with, including the aldermen, city workers and staff. I can't say enough for the dedication and support from Jim Snider and Chrissie Peterson. Jim has saved this City millions and Chrissie has been the glue that held this whole thing together. We are at the brink of finally wrapping up our lengthy battle with Navistar and we would not even be close without her expertise. Katie Campbell and Nickie Marter have brought their financial expertise to bear on so many critical aspects of our community. I have been asked a number of times this past month what I am most proud of during my term as mayor. I would put at the top of the list the ability to assemble a team of such diverse personalities and skills and harness the best of them to work together towards a common goal. I would like to take a moment and reflect on what we have accomplished this past 5 years. On average, we were awarded over $100,000 every month in federal and state grant money. About every 2 weeks a new business opened, remodeled or updated. On average over the past five years, over $500,000 of investment was put into this community every week. Stop and think about that for a minute. That number is correct. Over a half million dollars every week flowed into Canton to build the economic base over the past five years. That resulted in thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent jobs. This does not count the millions in new payroll dollars flowing into the community every week. I am not sure if we would rank the highest in the state, but I am fairly certain that we would be at the top of the list of per capita investments of any city in Illinois. And while the federal government found its credit rating being lowered once and the state's credit rating lowered twice. Canton has increased the credit rating due to the wise management of our funds. We were also able to do this while reducing our staffing in the city by over 8% through attrition. I doubt that any previous administration has enjoyed a more prosperous term. I am sure that there has never been an incoming administration that has ever inherited a better foundation on which to grow. There are people who judge political success as the results of the ballot box. When I first took office 5 years ago, I told the staff at our first meeting that we would never govern with the idea of being re-elected. We would instead take action and do what we knew to be right, no matter what the consequences. I would rather spend a term of action and accomplishment than to serve multiple terms sitting timidly on my hands. It is far better to lose an election because we dared to dream big, take big risks and big actions than to talk a good game and do nothing. My only disappointment is that 70% of the voters chose to stay home and not participate in what is the fundamental of our rights, the right to cast a ballot and let their voice be heard. I am grateful for all of the calls, letters and emails of support following the election. As a student of history, I think I have a little better insight into the feelings of Winston Churchill when the people of Great Britain voted him out of office immediately after he brought them through WWII. I have always wondered why the people did not show him some gratitude for bringing them through one of the toughest times in their history. I have enjoyed every minute of my term as Mayor. It has been the most challenging, rewarding and fun thing I have ever done. I owe more than I can express to my wife Terry and my daughters, Laura, Emily and Kathleen. They have taken this journey with me and it would not have been possible without the sacrifices I asked them to make and the unwavering support they provided. I will continue to be involved in the community, as I have been my entire life. I have been blessed to have the experiences I have enjoyed these past five years. How else could a poor boy from the south side become friends with a billionaire and forge a friendship that would change his life? Bill Cook, his family and his company, have forever changed Canton for the better. I have never worked with a more integral group of people and I am grateful for the many friendships that I have developed over the past few years. I would also be remiss if I did not mention the greatest mayor this town has ever seen, Don Edwards. The foundation upon which I was able to grow this town was laid by Don and his vision and leadership. I would not be here today if it were not for his mentoring and guidance that I have enjoyed for over 50 years. This is my home and I want nothing more than to see it continue to grow and prosper. Most of us go into public service because we believe we can make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. As we adjourn tonight and bring this administration to an end, we can hold our heads high and know that we have accomplished that. No matter what I do in the future, I can drive around Canton and see the mark that we left. We transformed the heart of the community. We created jobs for hundreds of people giving them hope and opportunity. WE helped seniors stay in the homes they loved by assisting them with needed repairs. We built homes for people of all income levels and worked to strengthen the faith based community to improve their abilities to serve those most in need. Canton is a better place because we came along. It was John Adams who wrote that "Duty is ours, the results are God's." May God bless this wonderful City we all call home. MOTION TO SINE & DIE Motion and second was made by Aldermen Hartford/Schenck to sine & die The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous. Mayor K vin R. ea City Clerk iana Pavley