April 16, 2007
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. on April 16, 2007, in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor David E. Keen called the meeting to order and Reverend Travis Perry gave the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Roll call showed present: Council Member Ricky D. Heck, Council Member John Howard, Council Member Mike Walker and Mayor David E. Keen. Absent: Council Member Shirilyn Holt.
The journals for the Regular City Council Meeting of April 2, 2007, and the City Council Budget Workshop Meeting of April 4, 2007, were presented to Council for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the journals for April 2, 2007, and April 4, 2007 meetings as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2007 in the amount of $ 826,343.18 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for April 2007, in the amount of $ 826,343.18 as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that he would like to make an announcement. Today he received a letter from IEMA regarding the storm damage to the City on July 21, 2006. Mayor Keen read the letter stating the amounts of funds allocated to each area hit by the storms. The City of Mt. Vernon will receive $229,527.97. The amount of damage estimated was $450,000.00. Mt. Vernon was one of 32 areas to receive the funds from IEMA for a total of $1.4 million. Mayor Keen stated that the City had kept very detailed records on the storm work and damage incurred.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Seek Bids for Renovation of Soccer Fields at Lincoln Park. Mr. Neibert stated that part of the bid would be for sprinkler systems and turf for the fall soccer season. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Grant Permission to Seek Bids for Renovation of the Soccer Fields at Lincoln Park.
City Manager Ron Neibert introduced Mr. Eric White of DMI, LLC to give a report on the Downtown TIF Eligibility. Mr. White spoke about the TIF for downtown. Mr. White stated that the area covered would be from Harrison Street to Veterans Memorial Drive approximately 260 acres of developed property. It appears that 50% or more of the property is buildings that are 35 years old or older. Mr. White stated that the DMDC has well defined the proposed TIF area. The old vacant motel on Main Street is in the TIF area and is a perfect example of the need for a TIF. It is a great property, but the buildings are blighted and in need of redevelopment. Mr. White stated that the remodeling and work in the downtown area is a labor of love, not moneymaking projects. Someone would have to dearly love the buildings and area to put all of the work and money into the locations.
Mr. Marion
Oglesby of Edgewood Lane asked about the generating of taxes because of the look
of the buildings in the downtown area.
Mr. Horton Petties asked if TIF funds could be used for infrastructure of
properties.
Mrs. Cyndy Mitchell of the DMDC stated that the Board feels that the downtown TIF area will help jump-start many projects within the area.
Council Member Mike Walker stated that he noticed that the old fairgrounds and the old hospital were not in the area designated as the TIF. Also on 12th Street the old General Radiator building was not included. Mr. Walker asked if Brownsfield funds could be used in the cleanup of the Radiator property along with other funds could TIF money also be used. Mr. White explained how some of the TIF funds could be used.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented a Request for an Executive Session at the end of this Regular Meeting to Discuss Pending Litigation.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Regarding Nuisance Fines. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this Ordinance simply puts more teeth into the Ordinance by charging more for the fines of nuisances. Council Member Ricky D. Heck stated that this Ordinance would not encourage people to clean their properties up, but it will put a huge burden on elderly people, senior citizens and people that can’t afford to have someone clean their properties anyway. Some people are not able to do the work themselves. Council Member Mike Walker asked the Engineering and Inspection Departments to give an update on City properties. Have they all been cleaned up and mowed to date. Derrick Quitsch of the Inspection Department stated that he now has two full crews working daily and will soon have more part-time employees working the rest of summer when school ends. With the weather, they are cleaning and mowing as much as they possibly can right now. Mr. Walker asked if the City has sold all of their properties. Corporation Counsel Bill Howard stated that the City already has this Ordinance with fines for nuisances. This Ordinance just raises the charge for the fines.
Mrs. Bernadine Canfield stated that she owns several properties and is not at all happy with the trash service. She stated that they don’t pick up the trash a lot of times and she has called and called to see why they continue to miss some of her property. Mrs. Canfield stated that she often has renters move out and leave old furniture and trash and the trash trucks will not pick them up. She stated that she couldn’t hold the furniture a year until cleanup week. She stated that the trash haulers used to pick up things like this, but now if it is not in the can they won’t take it, and sometimes they don’t even take what is in the cans.
Mrs. Bernice McWilliams stated that her neighborhood is the same way. People move out and leave things stacked at the curb and it may not be picked up for a long time. Mrs. McWilliams stated that unfortunately, people are not likely to change their ways. Mr. A.P. Petties stated that people need to work together to help each other to cleanup and keep properties clean. Mayor David E. Keen stated that he believes that this Ordinance will give Derrick some teeth for habitual offenders, not just people not mowing once but also those that do not mow or clean all year long. Motion by Council Member John Howard to table this Second Reading of this Ordinance. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 1121 Casey Avenue from Class I1 to Class B2. The petitioning party is Redneck Archery, Inc. Mr. Curtis Martin Attorney for Redneck Archery stated that the business has outgrown the property that they are located in now, so they are moving to the new location if this ordinance passes to accommodate the increased business. Mr. Martin asked if Council would consider suspending the rules to vote on the Ordinance. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt Ordinance # 2007-19, an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 1121 Casey Avenue from Class I1 to Class B2 for Petitioning Party Redneck Archery, Inc. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at #22 Fairway Drive from Class FP to Class R3. The Petitioning Party is Doe Valley Golf Course. Mr. Mark Miller and Mr. Roger Campbell were present as the owners, developers of the proposed project at this location.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that there were several citizens present in regards to this request that had concerns regarding this issue. One of the main concerns was that the housing development could turn into low income housing if the project did not succeed as a high-income project as planned. Mr. Neibert stated that the quality of the housing could be designated by the TIF Agreement. Another concern was the traffic flow through the neighborhood, the size of the streets in the neighborhood and the sidewalks especially during the construction phases. City Engineer John Porter stated that Homestead Drive would be improved from Route 37 to Fairway Drive to a 24-foot asphalt road and there would be sidewalks on Fairway and Edgewood Drive.
Mr. Marvin Oglesby of # 23 Edgewood Drive stated that there needs to be another road off of Salem Road to allow entrance and exit especially during the construction phases because the roads there cannot handle the extra traffic of the heavy equipment and trucks. The major project site off of Homestead will be hard to access. Mr. Cusumano has some property that could be purchased that could provide an access site for the project. Mr. Oglesby stated that he is suggesting that the Council vote NO to this project unless there is a second entrance-exit site determined for the area. Mr. Renaldo Yon stated that there could be a 3 to 5 year construction time for this project. Mr. Yon asked if they had said that the current streets between would be developed to be a 24-foot street instead of the current 18 to 20 foot street now. Mr. Randy Wynn of Homestead Drive asked if Council would vote tonight or if it would be First Reading. Mayor David E. Keen stated that with objectors, there would be a first reading only tonight. Mrs. Pat Rettig spoke to thank the Fire Department for their quick response last week on her husband when he became ill at the Planning and Zoning board Meeting. She stated that they did truly save his life. Mrs. Rettig stated that there are currently 55 residences in the area and the proposed project will call for 220 to 260 more residences. That is five times the traffic on these
streets. Mrs. Rettig stated that the Planning and Zoning Board sent this to Council with a NO recommendation. A 3 to 3 vote. The residents do not object to the development of this project, but they do object to all of the increased traffic, both during the construction and after the residents move in. Mr. Jim Augustine who lives at Route 37 and Homestead Drive, suggested that the developers move the project further north off Loop Road. Mr. Arthur Schulte stated that he wants to go on record as saying that the neighbors want no low income housing in this area. Another resident stated that her back yard holds water now and floods and if they develop the current golf path as a road, it will put more water on her property. She presented pictures of her yard last week when it was rainy. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that there will as in any large project like this, be a lot of attention paid to the water shed and water retention on the property. Mr. Jim Anderson stated that he has built at the end of Linnview Drive a few years ago and it has a water problem as does the entire area from there down to the golf course. Mr. Augustine asked again the cost of the proposed condos in this project. Mr. Oglesby asked where the tenants are going to come from. 240 or 250 elderly persons are going to sell their homes and purchase and move into these condos. This is why the residents of the area are so afraid the project may not go and it may turn into low-income rentals. Another resident again stated that her main concern was the increase in the traffic to the area, and asked if Council would vote NO on this issue.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that this is First Reading only.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 1100 North 42nd Street from Class R1 to Class R3. The petitioning party is Dean Greenwalt. Mr. Greenwalt stated that he is going to build 4 condos with two apartments each on the South East corner of 42nd and Richview Road. Mayor David E. Keen asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or opposition of this request. Mayor Keen stated that Planning and Zoning voted unanimously to approve this request. Mr. Lyle Wood a local realtor stated that he is highly in favor of this project to start development in this area. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt Ordinance # 2007-20, an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 1100 North 42nd Street for Dean Greenwalt from R1 to R3. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration First Reading of an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for Condominiums on Property Located at 1100 North 42nd Street. The petitioning party is Dean Greenwalt. Mr. Greenwalt explained that this is to allow him to put in a road 300 feet long with a cul-de-sac for his condo project. The road will be concrete. Mr.
Greenwalt stated that his condos would sell for around $139,900.00 per unit. Each condo would be approximately 1,380 square feet. 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, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance #2007-21, an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for Condominiums on Property Located at 1100 North 42nd Street for Petitioning Party Dean Greenwalt. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that if the City does not use their Bonding it can be given to another entity to use. We are giving ours to SIEDA. The total allocation is $1,389,240.00 and must be done before May 1, 2007. SIEDA will use the funds to support projects that will create jobs and expand the City’s tax base. 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, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2007-22, an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Real Estate for Property Located at 308 North 6th Street. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this is property the City has had a lien on and it is selling for $1,200.00. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt Ordinance # 2007-23, an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Real Estate Property Located at 308 North 6th Street for $1,200.00. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the FY 07/08 Street Maintenance Program. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this Resolution authorizes the spending of $335,000.00 for the City’s annual street maintenance program. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the FY 07/08 Street Maintenance Program. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Accepting a Quit Claim Deed for Property Located at 905 South 22nd
Street. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Approve the Resolution Accepting a Quit Claim Deed for Property Located at 905 South 22nd Street. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving the Tentative Annual Budget and Setting the Public Budget Hearing for April 30, 2007 in Council Chambers at City Hall. Finance Director Merle Hollmann stated that this is the Tentative Budget and there were 3 more Budget Workshop Meetings to be held before the April 30, 2007 Public Hearing. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Approve the Tentative 2007/2008 Budget. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Consent to Assignment and Acceptance of an Assignment Executed by Joint Owners of a Miller Lake Lease from Norma Rightnower to Linda Hale, her daughter. Mrs. Rightnower is signing over her half of the lease to Mrs. Hale. The Park Board has agreed and recommends the Council agree to this request. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Approve this Consent to Assignment Executed by Joint Owners of a Lake Miller Lease from Norma Rightnower to Linda Hale. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing an Application for an Illinois Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Grant. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this would be a 100% funded grant to build sidewalks to schools with Phase I being in the Fruit Bowl area of the City, or Western Gardens. The sidewalks would provide a safe area for the children to walk to school when completed.
Mayor David E. Keen reminded everyone to go out and exercise your right to vote tomorrow.
Council Member John Howard stated that he has been on Council for nearly 10 years and he had never seen a crowd this large at a City Council Meeting. Mr. Howard thanked everyone for attending and invited them to come back sometime when they didn’t have a problem. Mr. Howard stated that it was nice to see people in attendance.
Mr. Paul Martin addressed Council regarding Bishop Avenue and all of the construction has made Bishop Avenue a mess and has caved the road in somewhat. There is an 8-ton limit on the road but with the construction he believes the limit is over the limit. The road is now down to one lane in places and there are a lot of ruts and mud when it rains. Mr. Martin stated that it is obvious that the roads cannot sustain the traffic. Mr. Martin stated that he believes that the contractors and developers should be responsible for the damage and repair to the streets.
Mrs. Joan Schulte of the Homestead area stated that she hopes that Council listens to Mr. Martin regarding this problem as that is one of the issues facing the neighborhood if the Doe Valley project goes through.
Motion by Council Member John Howard to go into Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt.
Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting following the Executive Session. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen. Absent: Holt. 9:40 p.m.