July 5, 2006
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 due to the Fourth of July Holiday. The meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor David E. Keen called the meeting to order. Reverend David Eadie of First United Methodist Church gave the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Roll call showed present: Council Member Ricky D. Heck, Council Member Shirilyn Holt, Council Member John Howard, Council Member Mike Walker and Mayor David E. Keen.
The journals for the City Council Workshop Meeting for the June 13, 2006 “City Hall on the Road” and the June 14, 2006 Special City Council Meeting were submitted for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve the Journals as presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for July 2006 in the amount of $649,443.20 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable as presented in the amount of $649,443.20. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that bids were received for the Demolition of structures at 312 Caborn, 2223 College, 500 S. 17th Street, 424 Harrison and 1033 Airport Road. There were two bids received. Council agreed to open the bids and they were given to John Porter City Engineer to open. He will report on the bids at the end of this Regular City Council Meeting.
City Manager Roy L. Payne introduced Police Chief Chris Mendenall for the presentation of Special Awards to some of the Police Department. Chief Mendenall stated that the Police Departments Award Recognition Board would like to honor the following officers. The first award went to Officer Jim Kemp. It is the Community Service Award presented to an officer that goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide aid and comfort for those in need. Chief Mendenall stated that Officer Kemp handled a burglary call where the victim’s window was broken out by the burglars and they had no way to secure the home. Officer Kemp returned to the home after his shift and secured the window with plywood for the victims. The residents were very appreciative. Mayor David E. Keen and Chief Mendenall presented the award to Officer Kemp. Chief Mendenall stated that the next award was the Merit Award. This award is for officers excelling in highly credible accomplishment, hard work and diligence. Chief Mendenall stated that the following three Officers worked very hard and kept working until the Jana Reynolds Murder Conviction came in and justice was served. The officers were. Detective Stanley McElroy, Detective Roger Hayes and Detective Marty Terry.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that Rend Lake Conservancy District was present to give updates on the projects they have going. Mr. Jim Rippy spoke and thanked the Council for having them come and update the City fairly often. Mr. Rippy turned the presentation over to Keith Thomson the General Manager of the Conservancy District. Mr. Thomson gave an update on the proposed new plant and future use of water from the lake. Mr. Wayne Tate the Comptroller for the District spoke regarding the Bond for financing the building project and shooting for a 20-year debt but may have to go more. Council Member Mike Walker asked what the daily influx to the lake was. Mr. Thomson stated it was 70 million gallons per day. Mayor David E. Keen stated that he and Council appreciated them coming and giving updates on the projects at the lake.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Authorization to Waive Bid Procedures for Police Car Video Cameras. Police Chief Chris Mendenall stated that this would be for 2 video cameras, DVR’s for spares. The cost would be $16,400.00. Chief Mendenall stated that they have $5,000.00 in grant funds to help defer costs. Chief Mendenall stated that they have applied for another $10,000.00 grant, but the funds would be divided between the City and County. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Waive the Bid Procedure for Police Car Video Cameras. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Approval of the Annual Street Maintenance Budget. Mr. Payne stated that the costs came in over estimates. The options would be 1. reduce the quantity of supplies, 2. reduce the labor charges, 3. increase the MFT appropriations by $32,000. Mr. Payne recommended the third option increasing the MFT appropriation. The Resolution will be put on the next Council Meeting Agenda.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 2.5 of the Revised Code of Ordinances. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this Ordinance has to do with updates regarding ESDA and the emergency management for the City. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-28, an Ordinance Amending Section 2.5 of the Revised Code of Ordinances. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Vacating Part of South 11th Street for Petitioning Party Corinthian Baptist Church. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is a request by the church and agreed to by the only other persons in the area Pettit’s TV, Nutherm and Norman Yoder. The church intends to build on to the structure and this would give the church more room to expand. The church is also having their 125th Anniversary next week. Mayor David E. Keen asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or opposed to this request. No one spoke. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-29, an Ordinance Vacating Part of South 11th Street for Petitioning Party Corinthian Baptist Church. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Approving a Conditional Sales Contract and Quitclaim Deed for Property Located at 1004 South 13th Street to Johnny Horn. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is property received through foreclosure and we have had an offer to purchase it for $1,803.45. Mr. Payne stated that staff has suggested we sell this lot and recoup some of our money. Mr. Payne stated that the City does have more lots to sell also. Council Member Mike Walker asked if the lots are advertised so anyone could bid on them. City Manager Payne stated that they were. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-30, an Ordinance Approving a Conditional Sales Contract and Quitclaim Deed for Property Located at 1004 South 13th Street to Johnny Horn. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keens.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution of Support Regarding the Save the Granada Organization Application for a Tourism Grant. Mrs. Bonnie Jerdon spoke regarding this grant request. Mrs. Jerdon stated that the Save the Granada Group has been doing a lot of work on the inside of the building and now they would like to work on the façade, the marquee, etc. The grant is for a Tourism Attraction Grant in the amount of $30,000.00 and the Granada Group has their match funds for the grant. Mr. Brian Edmison, President of the Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation stated that the money would help with the repair of the original blocks and lights on the front of the building, the marquee and other cosmetic repairs to make the building look original. The City is the conduit to allow them to get the grant. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the Resolution of Support Regarding the Save the Granada Organization Application for a Tourism Grant. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration Consent to an Assignment of a Lake Jaycee Lease. Requesting Party is Waqqas H, Khan. The lease currently belongs to Dr. Richard Stephens. This request has been to the Park Board and they agreed to the assignment. Mr. Howard stated that the following Resolution is also in reference to this request. It is a Resolution Consenting to a Mortgage for Property Located at Lake Jaycee. This is a requirement of the bank handling the purchase of the property. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Resolution for an Assignment of a Lease to Waqqas H. Khan for Property Located at Jaycee Lake and a Resolution Consenting to a Mortgage for the Property Located at Jaycee Lake. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Requesting Authorization to close Conger Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street on Friday, July 14, 2006, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for “Youth Fest” Sponsored by Shiloh’s Community Outreach. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is in front of the church and there was no opposition from the neighbors regarding this request. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Closing of Conger Avenue between 10th and 11th Street on Friday, July 14, 2006 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for “Youth Fest” for Shiloh’s Community Outreach. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Mayor David E. Keen asked Brian Edmison of DMDC to speak regarding two projects that they have planned. Mr. Edmison stated that the DMDC has planned to do two projects and he has displayed drawings of the projects. One was Triangle Park the area that sits behind Guy Wood Insurance. The Art in the City structure will be moved to that spot. The lot at 13th and Main will be made into a very nice, decorative parking lot for Hughey’s Funeral Home, and the old custard stand at 12th and Main will be torn down and made into a new Byrd-Watson Drug Store. These are three projects coming very soon and will be nice improvements to the downtown area. Byrd-Watsons store will be a 4,000 square foot structure with a drive up. The parking lot for Hughey’s will have a fountain and small pool on their lot and lots of trees in the area. Mr. Edmison stated that he is excited to see some of the changes coming so soon.
Roy L. Payne stated that the Welcome to Mt. Vernon sign would be moved by DMDC also. Mayor David E. Keen thanked Mr. Edmison and DMDC for all of their plans and visions and hard work and commitment to make Mt. Vernon a better place.
Mayor David E. Keen asked for Council’s advice and consent to appoint Mr. Walter Mays to the vacant seat on the Park Board. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Approve the Mayor’s Appointment of Mr. Walter Mays to the Park Board. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt.
Mayor Keen stated that he would like to thank Mrs. Bonnie Jerdon, the Airport Board, Chris Collins, Richard Roach, Fire Department and Police Department for all of the hard work for the Fourth of July Salute to Freedom and the great fireworks display. Mayor Keen spoke about Bonnie’s car accident earlier on that day, however she did show up after all of her x-rays, etc.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that the City also owed a thank you to Julie Ross. Julie has resigned from her position at the Tourism Department, but when she was needed due to Bonnie’s accident she came to the airport and stayed all day to help out with the fireworks, etc.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that Donald Irvin would like to comment on a music concert to be held for the American Red Cross. Mr. Irvin stated that he was selling tickets to a music fest to be held Saturday night at Genkota Winery to raise funds for the American Red Cross. The funds raised will all stay in Jefferson County for the Red Cross.
Mayor David E. Keen asked John Porter, City Engineer to present the bids received for the demolition of structures. Mr. Porter stated that two bids were received. The bids were as follows:
KEN HAILS AL ACOSTA
312 Caborn $ 1,900.00 $ 3,610.40
2223 College $ 3,900.00 $ 4,110.40
500 S 17th St $ 2,900.00 $ 3,310.40
1033 Airport $ 4,184.00 $ 3,610.40
TOTAL $12,884.00 TOTAL $14,641.60
Mr. Porter stated that staff recommends the acceptance of the low bid from Ken Hails in the amount of $ 12,884.00. City Manager Roy L. Payne concurred. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to accept the low bid from Ken Hails in
the amount of $12,884.00 for the demolition of structures located at 312 Caborn St., 2223 College, 500 S. 17th St and 1033 Airport Road. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
VISITORS/ CITIZENS REQUESTS/ ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.