Regular City Council Meeting
April 3, 2006
The City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois City Council held a Regular City Council Meeting on Monday, April 3, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
City Clerk Jackie Sharp called the Regular City Council Meeting to order and announced that the first order of business would be to select a Mayor Pro Tem. Ms. Sharp stated that she had been asked to explain the position of Mayor Pro Tem. Ms. Sharp stated that a Mayor Pro Tem is selected for that one City Council Meeting only and when that meeting is over the position is finished. Ms. Sharp stated that nominations were open. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to nominate Council Member David E. Keen to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for this Regular Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen called the Regular City Council Meeting to order. Mr. Don Bigham of Salem South Baptist Association gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Roll call showed present: Council Member Ricky D. Heck, Council Member John Howard, Council Member/Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen and Council Member Mike Walker.
The journal for the March 20, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting was presented for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to approve the journal for the March 20, 2006, Regular City Council Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2006 in the amount of $589,093.06 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2006 in the amount of $ 589,093.06 as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
City Manager Roy L. Payne announced that bids were received for a Utility Department Crew Truck. Mr. Payne stated that there were three bids received. Finance Director Merle Hollmann read the bid results. The bids were as follows:
Sparta Ford bid a 2006 vehicle for $ 30,572.00
Svanda Motors bid a 2006 vehicle for $31,288.00
Ford Square bid a 2006 vehicle for $31,507.36 and a 2007 vehicle for $32,070.36
Mr. Hollmann stated that the low bid of Sparta Ford in the amount of $ 30,572.00 is staff’s recommendation. City Manager Roy L. Payne concurred. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to accept the low bid from Sparta Ford in the amount of $ 30,572.00 for the 2006 Utility Department Crew Truck. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Seek Proposals for the Development of the Greenways and Trails Plan for the Mt. Vernon area. Mr. Payne asked Mrs. Bonnie Jerdon to speak regarding this request. Mrs. Jerdon stated that they had asked for and received a $20,000.00 planning grant to develop a comprehensive plan for multi-purpose trails. Mrs. Jerdon gave a progress report on the trails. Mrs. Jerdon stated that this would allow the committee to get underway with the development. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this began about 18 months ago that Cedarhurst had shown an interest in developing trails from Veterans Park to Cedarhurst and Mitchell Museum. Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen asked where the trails would go. Mrs. Jerdon stated that they would go from Veterans Park to Cedarhurst and possibly to Lincoln Park and possibly later to the Historical Village and the Downtown area. The trail would be for joggers, walkers and bicycles. There is also a possibility of safe routes to schools through other funding. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Grant Permission to Seek Proposals for the Development of the Greenways and Trails Plan for the Mt. Vernon area. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration the Final Plat for Heritage Woods Estates. Mr. Payne stated that this is a two-lot subdivision on the West side of 42nd Street. The owners are Bonan Brothers Properties, LLC. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Approve the Final Plat for Heritage Woods Estates Subdivision. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Declaring Property Commonly Known as 221, 223 and 219 South 10th Street to be Surplus Property and Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Real Property. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that there is a party interested in buying these lots so staff is asking for a suspension. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-10, an Ordinance Declaring Property Commonly Known as 221,223 and 219 South 10th Street to be Surplus Property and Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Real Property. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Real Property. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is the old Register News Building on 9th Street. Mr. Jay Koch of the Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation addressed Council regarding this sale. Mr. Koch stated that the DMDC had discussed and advertised for four or five weeks for bids on this property. Mr. Koch stated that there were no bids received by the date of March 15, 2006. The DMDC has had several issues as landlords and the Board decided to go forward with the sale. Gregg and Beth Lundius of Lundius Heating and Air contacted the DMDC and issued a proposal for the purchase of the building. Mr. Lundius stated that he had been out of town and had not seen the ads for bid proposals. The Lundius would like to use the building for their heating and air business, continue to use the front part, Copia, as a restaurant/coffee shop. The DMDC Board went through the Lundius proposal and offered a counter proposal to him and Mr. Lundius accepted the counter proposal from DMDC. Mr. Koch asked that the Council allow the group to go forward with this sale. Mr. Gregg Lundius addressed Council and gave his plans for the building including the restaurant/coffee shop. Mr. Lundius stated that they would work with DMDC in maintaining their master plan visions for the downtown area.
Attorney John Huntley addressed Council stating that he was representing a client and his client would also like to submit a bid on this property. Mr. Huntley stated that his client was unaware that the property would sell for the low price that was in the paper and he did not bid for that reason. Mr. Huntley stated that his client’s business was a retail business and he too would like to operate it from this building. He stated that his client was astonished that the price of $37,000.00 was so low. Mr. Huntley stated that Mr. Lundius also stated that he did not submit his bid until after the cut off date and the advertisement stated that any and all bids submitted could be rejected. Mr. Huntley stated that the best price should be obtained for the best interest of the City and DMDC. Mr. Huntley requested a certain time period to submit a bid for his client.
City Council Member Ricky D. Heck asked if there was a minimum or maximum bid price stated in the advertisement. Mr. Jay Koch stated that there was not a minimum or maximum bid stated. Mr. Huntley stated that his client assumed that the price would be a substantial amount more than Mr. Lundius bid so he did not submit a bid originally. Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen asked if he knew Mr. Lundius had submitted a late bid, his client did not go ahead and submit a bid also. Mr. Huntley stated that this is what they are asking for now, time to submit a bid. Council Member Heck stated that he feels that this would give his client an upper hand because they already know what Mr. Lundius has bid.
Mr. Mike Beard a business resident of downtown Mt. Vernon stated that he knows what Gregg and Beth Lundius are bringing to the street, but Mr. Huntley’s client is not stating what type of retail business he is representing. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-11, an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Real Property, the old Register News Building to the Lundius’. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Granting a Miller Lake Lease to King City Dirt Riders, Inc. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is pretty much the new standard lease for Miller Lake and one of the last few to be adopted. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-12, an Ordinance Granting a Miller Lake Lease to King City Dirt Riders, Inc. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Declaring a Printer as Surplus Equipment. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this printer is a HP Deskjet printer out of the Engineering Department and it is no longer needed by that department. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-13, an Ordinance Declaring a Printer as Surplus Equipment. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Giving of Notice of a Dangerous and Dilapidated Structure for Property Located at 300 South 10th Street. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Giving of Notice of a Dangerous and Dilapidated Structure for Property Located at 300 South 10th Street. This is the old Stewart Muffler property. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting IDOT Approval for Temporary Closure of IL 15 Westbound from Marlow Road (FAS789) to Junction of IL 15 & Old Rt. 15 at East Edge of Mt. Vernon for Purpose of “Salute to Freedom” Fireworks Display on July 4,2006. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt the Resolution Requesting IDOT Approval for the Temporary Closure of IL 15 for the Purpose of the “Salute to Freedom” Fireworks on July 4, 2006. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting IDOT Approval for Temporary Closure of Portions of Main Street and Broadway from 4th Street to 12th Street and from Harrison to Veterans Memorial Drive (formerly Fishers Lane) on 10th Street for the Purpose of the Annual Sweet Corn and Watermelon Festival Parade on August 19, 2006. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt the Resolution Regarding the Temporary Closure of Certain Streets for the Annual Sweet Corn and Watermelon Festival Parade on August 19, 2006. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting Authorization from the Illinois Department of Transportation for Temporary Closure of Certain Streets on December 2, 2006 for the Annual Christmas Parade. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Resolution Requesting Closure of Certain Streets on December 2, 2006 for the Annual Christmas Parade. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting Authorization to Close 9th Street between Harrison and Jordan Streets on Saturday, August 12, 2006 from 12 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. for Purposes of the Mt. Vernon Car Show. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Resolution Requesting Authorization to Close 9th Street between Harrison and Jordan Streets on Saturday, August 12, 2006 from 12:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. for the Purpose of the Mt. Vernon Car Show. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution of Support for Senior Housing on 42nd Street. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is a Resolution that was passed on March 20, 2006, but the original Resolution had 100 units of housing and the plan was for 50 for the First Phase and then 50 for the Second Phase. Mr. Payne stated that this is just a revision of the original Resolution. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt the Resolution of Support for the Senior Housing on 42nd Street Revising the Number of Housing Units to 50 for Phase One. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.
Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen spoke regarding the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt to be held at Dawson Park on April 15, 2006. Mr. Keen stated that this is the one that A.P. Petties sponsors each year. Mr. Keen stated that this is always a large success for the children.
Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen stated that the Annual City Wide Clean Up will be held on May 6, 2006. Teams will meet at Veterans Park. Mr. Keen said that any questions should be directed to Derrick in the City Inspector’s Office.
Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen stated that he would like to update everyone on Don Peacock’s condition. Mr. Peacock had surgery on Friday and he is home and doing well. He wanted to thank everyone for all of the cards and prayers.
Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen asked Assistant Fire Chief James Brown to come forward and speak about the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Meeting that will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2006. Mr. Brown stated that Department Heads and Different emergency entities in the area will be in attendance to discuss disaster plans for any disaster that may happen in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem David E. Keen presented a Proclamation for National Telecommunicator’s Week. Mr. Keen read the Proclamation and presented it to Police Chief Chris Mendenall.
Council Member John Howard stated that he does not think the public realizes that yard waste pickup will not begin until the week of April 17th. He stated that there are a lot of bags of yard waste out by the streets that will have to set for several weeks yet before they are picked up. Mr. Howard stated that the schedule also has changed for yard waste pickup.
Mr. John Kowalski of the American Legion Post 141 addressed Council regarding the closing of streets for a Memorial Day Service for 1 hour on May 29, 2006. Mr. Kowalski stated that this year with the return of unit 123rd the celebration will take on extra meaning.
Mr. Kowalski stated that he would like to give his thanks to the City Police and Fire Departments for their work during the recent bad weather in the City.
A resident stated that he lives in the 700 block of South 23rd Street and there is a problem in his area with dogs. He stated that there are a lot of pit bulls in his neighborhood and they have chased residents in the neighborhood. The mailman was attacked by one and other people have been attacked by them. He stated that the dogcatcher had picked up two of them but they were pups. He is afraid that a child will get badly injured by one of the dogs. Police Chief Chris Mendenall stated that the problem is that people call and complain but will not sign complaints against the owners of the animals. The resident stated that he will certainly come in and sign a complaint on the dogs. He also stated that there is also a traffic problem with speeders on 23rd Street. He stated that the cars go down the street at 40 mph. Police Chief Mendenall stated that they have ran radar on this street and did not catch anyone.
Mr. Walter Mays spoke regarding dog problems in his area also. He lives in the 600 block of 25th Street and Lamar Street and stated that there are big dogs running around all over.
Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Keen and Walker.