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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-2015 Council Meeting Minutes City of Canton Council Meeting The Donald Edwards Way (Historic Depot) Canton 11 61520 04-21-2015 6:30pm A regular meeting of the Canton City Council was held on April 21, 2015 (6:30pm) in the Council Chambers,The Donald E. Edwards Way-50 North 4th Avenue, Canton, Illinois 61520. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Jeffrey Fritz, Treasurer Kathy Luker, City Clerk Diana Pavley-Rock, Fire Chief Tom Shubert, Interim Police Chief Rick Nichols, Community Service Director Jason Strandberg, Comptroller Caty Campbell, WTP Superintendent Greg Pollitt, City Engineer Keith Plavec MEDIA IN ATTENDANCE: Daily Ledger, Fulton Democrat VIDEO SERVICES BY JOE GINGER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENED THE MEETING INVOCATION- Reverend Tim Bauler from the First Presbyterian Church ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X PUBLIC PARTICIPATION- Randy Lynch- Business Agent with AFSCME addressed the Council regarding the proposed health insurance renewal. Randy explained that he has experience with other counties and employers with their group medical plan- specifically with United Health Care. Randy said his dealings over the years with United Health Care is not a positive experience. United Health Care had issues with denying claims that would have otherwise been paid by BCBS. Claims are forced into collection-which ultimately has a negative impact for employees. Randy recommended that the City stay with BCBS for their group medical plan. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA Mayor Fritz asked that his communications be moved to the beginning of the agenda. VISIT FROM FORMER CANTON RESIDENT Mayor Fritz introduced Elizabeth Kovachevich back to Canton during her visit with long time friend Marsha Leighton. Elizabeth grew up in Canton and has since moved to Florida where she works as a federal judge. Elizabeth left Canton at the age of 13 due to her father's health. Elizabeth is proud to be from Canton, Her roots from the Midwest made a big difference in her life. Elizabeth attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Canton. Elizabeth explained that adversity and challenges in life builds better character which leads to success. Elizabeth was the first woman elected State Circuit Judge in Illinois in 1972. Elizabeth became a Federal Judge in 1982 after being nominated by President Ronald Reagan. President Ronald Reagan was familiar with Canton--- and the Little Giants---- Elizabeth said she was happy to be back in Canton after 65 years. ALDERMAN ELECT WARD 1 Mayor Fritz introduced Alderman Elect Ryan Mayhew. Ryan will begin his 4 year term as Alderman with the first meeting in May. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD APRIL 8, 2015 AND APRIL 14 2015 TREASURER'S REPORT The general fund unrestricted cash is in the amount of $317,499.02. The co-mingled cash balance is in the amount of$327,345.23. The fire department capital improvement (depreciation account) is in the amount of$4,464.56. The garbage depreciation account has a balance of$144,104.24. The budget comparison report reflects the general fund MTD loss is in the amount of $50,021.00. The YTD loss is in the amount of$167,129.00 The water and sewer fund MTD loss is in the amount of $77,884.00. The YTD loss is in the amount of$909,187.00 The water and sewer bond account and the water treatment plant improvements were in the amount of 121,118.33. The Wastewater treatment plant improvements were in the amount of $9,442.37. Two of the DECA loans are paid, but one is behind by several months. Sarah's Friendly True Value is paying interest only for four months. BILL LIST The total amount of the bill list is $856,025.99. This amount includes the replacement tax share of the fire pension in the amount of $64,790.00. The replacement tax share for the police pension was in the amount of$38,167.00. POLICE REPORT FIRE REPORT Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Putrich to approve the consent agenda and place the information on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson I X COMMITTEE REPORTS: FINANCE ALDERMAN JUSTIN NELSON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3 (BUSINESS REGULATIONS) CHAPTER 14 (GARBAGE HAULERS) OF THE CITY OF CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. The Council discussed the need to charge a fee for the large garbage trucks and the frequency of use upon the City streets and parking lots. A fee of $500.00 per truck was discussed or having a flat fee for each company. City Clerk Diana Pavley-Rock suggested having the fees run with the fiscal year rather than the calendar year. All of the City license are valid May 1-April 30. If the ordinance is amended to include commercial trucks, a 30 day notice should be provided to the companies to comply with the fee requirement. This item will be brought back to the next council meeting for further discussion. DISCUSS. CONSIDER AND VOTE ON THE RESULTS OF TREASURER SOLICITING THE LOCAL BANKS FOR EITHER WARRANTS OR SHORT-TERM LOAN AND /OR ANOTHER SOURCE OF FINANCING. City Treasurer Luker contacted six different financial institutions in Canton for bid quotes for a tax anticipation warrants/loans. The City may need a loan until the tax levy money is received this fiscal year. Four bids were received. The low bid was from Ipava State Bank in the amount of 2.75% for a non tax exempt warrant and 1.75% for a tax exempt warrant. The City would need to have bond counsel for tax exempt warrants. If the City would decide to select the tax exempt warrant at the lower rate of 1.75% the fee from the bond counsel would be $3,000.00 for the amount borrowed. The recommendation is to select the non tax exempt warrant at the rate of 2.75%with Ipava State Bank. The loan amount would be up to $600,000.00 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Justin Nelson to approve the bid from Ipava State Bank with the rate of 2.75%. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich Abstain Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. LEGAL AND ORDINANCE ALDERMAN CRAIG WEST A RESOLUTION APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND DAN ZINCK D/B/A BIG LAKE FARMS. Resolution #5008 The City of Canton has vacant, surplus property located northwest of 20th Avenue and Sebree Road in Canton. A lease agreement between the City of Canton and Dan Zinck d/b/a Big Lake Farms will allow the lease of the 47 acres of farmland and 7 acres of hay. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/Picket to approve the lease agreement with Dan Zinck D/B/A Big Lake Farms. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A GROUP ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND BCBS FOR THE GROUP MEDICAL PLAN AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER SAID AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CANTON ILLINOIS. Resolution #5009 City Clerk Diana Pavley-Rock explained that the insurance committee met last week to discuss the group health insurance renewal. The insurance committee-which is made up by the following: * A representative from City Council * A representative from I.A.F.F. local 1897 * A representative of A.F.S.C.M.E. local 1372 * A representative from PB&PA Unit 52 * A representative of Management * A park district representative * A Parlin Ingersoll Library representative The insurance committee voted unanimously to approve the group enrollment agreement with BCBS for the 2015-2016 contract year. The City utilized their consultant Rick Semonis to do the negotiations. The City received bids from BCBS, United Health Care, Coventry, and Humana. The increase from BCBS was a 5.14% increase in premium. United Health Care bid an increase of $2.6% Various members from the insurance committee checked references with United Health Care since they were the low bidder. It was discovered that many employers and employees that use United Health Care reported problems. The following problems were reported with United Health Care * Poor customer service * Claims not being paid in a timely fashion and/or claims not being paid as outlined in the SPD * Lower percentage of labs/x-rays and other preventative tests being paid at 90% rather than 100% * Reduced chiropractic care visits * Issues with deductibles * Transition problems in changing companies * High level of customer service problems related to claims * Issues with pre-authorization * Prescription drug changes It was the recommendation of the insurance committee to stay with BCBS for the group medical plan for the plan year starting June 1, 2015. Rick Semonis (Consultant for the City of Canton) and members of the insurance committee members was present at the meeting. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Craig West/Picket to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND HEALTH ALLIANCE FOR THE GROUP DENTAL PLAN AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER SAID AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CANTON, ILLINOIS. Resolution#5010 The City received the renewal from Health Alliance on the self funded dental plan. The increase for the administration of the dental plan will change from $3.25 per person to $3.35 per person effective 06-01-2015 Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Pickel to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. A RESOLUTION RATIFYNG THE MAYOR'S SIGNATURE ON A SERVICE CONTRACT WITH GRAHAM HEALTH SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF CANTON. Resolution#5011 Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Hale to approve the resolution and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8 (PUBLIC WAYS & PROPERTY) CHAPTER 8 (CEMETERIES GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF THE CANTON MUNICIPAL CODE. Ordinanc#3098 Community Service Director Jason Strandberg explained that this amended ordinance states that the sexton works for the supervisor of building and grounds instead of the supervisor of the cemetery. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/West to suspend the rules for a second reading. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Putrich to approve the ordinance and place it on file. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. DISCUSS AND VOTE ON APPROVAL OF EOI PROPOSED WORK AT THE NAVISTAR SITE. City Engineer Keith Plavec explained that the City has been through arbitration and mediation with Navistar. The City has been trying to move forward with no further mediation on the west side of the IH site. The City has a potential developer that is looking at six acres on the northwest corner. A proposal was receive from the EO1 back in March 2015 that was sent to the Mayor. The purpose of the proposal was to move forward with doing the necessary steps with the six acres to identify any environmental issues. The City previously met with the EPA about residential use on that site. The proposal was to include further testing and work together to submit a plan to EPA for engineer barriers on the site. EO1's cost for sampling was $12,700.00. The cost for a document to the EPA was $6,500.00. The total with the two is in the amount of$19,200.00. The cost for an additional test would be $6,000.00 with a grand total of $25,200.00. Talks have continued with the developer. The developer has not asked for cost for parking lots-- they are even proposing putting in more than what is required. The City could use TIF bond funds. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/Ellis to approve EO1's proposed work at the Navistar site. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich Abstain Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ALDERMAN TAD PUTRICH SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST FOR THE CMS FARMERS MARKET Canton Main Street submitted a request for the Farmers Market to be held in Jones Park beginning May 30, 2015. The event would run from 7:30-11:30am and would consist of goods from local growers and producers market. The request includes closure of the north side of the CEFCU parking lot and the south end of Jones Park. A certificate of insurance was provided. The event is expected to bring approximately 6000 people to our downtown area on June 19, 2015. The request includes street closures. A certificate of insurance was submitted for the event but it expires before the event. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Putrich/Pickel to approve the special event request. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL ALDERWOMAN HALE PUBLIC SAFETY&TRAFFIC ALDERMAN JIM NELSON, CHAIRMAN STREETS AND GARBAGE ALDERMAN DAVE PICKEL, CHAIRMAN DISCUSS SECTION 6-4-2 (q) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE (ANIMAL NUISANCE) This item will be moved to the next Council meeting due to the absence of Attorney Rabel. LAKE, BUILDINGS &GROUNDS ALDERMAN JOHN LOVELL, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC WORKS, WATER&SEWER ALDERMAN GERALD ELLIS, CHAIRMAN MSI CONTRACT FOR 150,000 ELEVATED TANK REPAIRS A contract from Maurer and Stutz was submitted for the elevated tank repairs in the amount of $3,500.00 to be paid from the TIF 1 bond fund. The contract includes preparing the bid documents, advertising the project, attending the bid opening, issuing the notice of award etc. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Justin Nelson to approve the contract with Maurer and Stutz. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich Abstain Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. MSI CONTRACT FOR THE WTP SLUDGE REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL A contract from Maurer and Stutz was submitted for the WTP sludge removal and disposal in the amount of $3,200.00 to be paid from the water/sewer fund. The contract includes preparing the bid document, advertising the project, attending the bid opening, issuing the notice of award etc. This is a multi-year contract (3-4-5 year contracts) Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Lovell to approve the MSI contract ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. MSI CONTRACT FOR MAIN STREET WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS A contract from Maurer and Stutz was submitted for the main street water main improvements in the amount of $13,000.00 to be paid from the TIF 1 bond funds. The contract includes the engineering design for replacement of the water main along N Main Street between Locust Street and Elm Street and East Elm Street between Main Street and East Side Square. Also to prepare and submit the permits to the various agencies. The contract also includes preparing the bid document, advertising the bid, issuing the notice of award etc. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/Justin Nelson to approve the contract with MSI. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich Abstain Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR JEFFREY FRITZ OLD BUSINESS AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR ALL CORPORATE PURPOSES OF THE CITY OF CANTON FULTON COUNTY ILLINOIS IN LIEU OF AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2015 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2016. (2ND READING) Ordinance#3099 Motion and second were made by Aldermen Ellis/West to approve the ordinance as presented and place it on file. Alderman Jim Nelson expressed concerns with the small surplus in the budget and the negative amount the City has in the general fund and the water and sewer fund. The City needs to get cash reserves built back up. The City should have 3-4 months reserves in the budget; however auditors recommend six months reserves in a budget. Alderman Jim Nelson said a starting point would be looking at layoffs. Alderman Jim Nelson further explained that he would not vote in favor of a budget that is not realistic. Alderman John Lovell agreed that the City needs to have more of a surplus in the budget. Currently there is not any room in the budget for any errors or emergencies. The City does not have any contingency. The proposed budget reflects gas at $2.00 per gallon. The City is currently purchasing gas at $2.00 per gallon so that does not leave any room for gas prices to increase. Alderman Lovell said he would be more comfortable with a surplus of$100,000.00 ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/Picket to consider the elimination of two positions in the City. One position would be the Deputy Clerk and one position would be in building and grounds for the time being. This would help the City in the amount of $120,000.00-$125,000.00. The City may need to later look at part time help in those positions. The City could afford part time help much more than two full time positions. Alderman Ellis said that the City needs to look at the $909,000.00 loss in the water and sewer fund. The City staff previously asked for a larger increase in the water/sewer rates. Alderman Ellis said that all of the Aldermen need to look in the mirror and see why they did not vote to give the recommended increase in the water/sewer rates to help the large deficit in that fund. Alderman Jim Nelsons explained that this Council is the first one in the last 12 years to put in type of rate increase in place with the water/sewer fund. This Council is the first one to admit that the City was not even breaking even in that fund. This is the first Council to even take a step in the right direction. Alderman Ellis said that the Council was not ever presented the numbers that reflected the actual urgency of the fund. The Council was using more bond money than they should have for operating and maintenance. This issue was all bright forward just last year. Alderman Jim Nelsons said this is something that needs to be addressed again in May. Alderman Jim Nelson said the City has to start somewhere. Nobody likes to do it but we have to get back in the black. Alderman Ellis said the City may need to approach all of the unions about a wage concessions. If the City does not have money coming in-the City can't make payroll. The City will be giving a 2.75% pay increase May 1 to all employees and we can't afford it. Alderman Justin Nelson explained that the City needs to look at the amount the employer portion of the health insurance. The City pays much more as an employer portion than any other employer. Mayor Fritz said the employees that are being affected with the layoff should have notice. Alderman Jim Nelson suggested a 30 day notice. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. Treasurer Kathy Luker asked when the next meeting to approve the amended budget would take place. Motion and second were made by Aldermen Jim Nelson/Pickel to amend the budget with the two positions being eliminated. Alderman John Lovell asked what the amount of the savings would be with the two positions being eliminated. Alderman Jim Nelsons said the "ball park" figure would be $115,000.00-$125,000.00. This would include salary, benefits and the statutory withholdings. The two salary amounts alone are $24,000.00 and $48,500.00 to a total of$72,500.00 Alderwoman Hale said if the Council is going to make this hurt for a couple of City employees she thought a reduction in the aldermen salaries should be considered. Mayor Fritz said he would make an offer to give up half of his salary if needed. Alderman Justin Nelson said an ordinance setting the salaries of elected officials would need to be set before the election if it was going to be changed. It was suggested to have Attorney Rabe[ look at the legalities of lowering the aldermen's salaries. Mayor Fritz said that he believes economic development is important but the City is considering eliminating an assistant and another position. The Spoon River Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce both have assistants. This is the first time that they have had two assistants. The City pays $80,000.00 per year to the Partnership that supports the two assistants. If the City is looking at eliminating a assistant that is shared between two people, the City should consider reducing the amount of money they pay to the partnership. Alderman Jim Nelson said he agrees with the Mayor. Alderwoman Hale said she thinks it would only be fair to have Aldermen Elect Ryan Mayhew in on the decision of reducing the aldermen's salaries. Alderman Ellis said that the salaries are set by ordinance and cannot be changed. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. Alderwoman Hale asked that the next Council agenda have an item for the Spoon River Partnership assistants being supported by the $80,000.00 paid to them by the City. NEW BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT Motion and second were made by Aldermen Tad Putrich/Justin Nelson to adjourn into executive session for personnel 51LCS120/2 (c) ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderman Jerry Ellis X Alderman Justin X Nelson Alderman John Lovell X Alderwoman Angela X Hale Alderman Craig West X Alderman Tad Putrich X Alderman Dave Pickel X Alderman Jim Nelson X The motion carried. There was no additional information to be brought to open session after the adjournment of the executive session meeting. Diana Pavley-Rock, City Clerk Jeffrey A. Fritz, Mayor