August 7, 2006
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, August 7, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor David E. Keen called the Regular 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 Shirilyn Holt, Council Member John Howard, Council Member Mike Walker and Mayor David E. Keen.
The journals for the July 17, 2006 Public Hearing, the July 17, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting and the July 18, 2006 City Council Workshop Meeting were presented to Council for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the journals for the July 17, 2006 Public Hearing, the July 17, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting and the July 18, 2006 Workshop Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
The Consolidated Vouchers for August 2006 Accounts Payable in the amount of $ 1,024,696.43 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for the August 2006 Accounts Payable in the amount of $ 1,024,696.43 as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that proposals for a TIF Consultant had been received for Council’s consideration. Mr. Payne stated that three proposals have been received and he explained each proposal. The proposals were from Peckham, Guyton, Albers and Viets, Inc., Laube Companies and Ehlers and Associates, Inc. Mr. Payne stated that he had sent out 21 packets and the three were all that replied. Mr. Payne stated that his recommendation is to go with PGAV.
Council Member Mike Walker asked about the quotes. He stated that he had spoken to a couple of companies that wanted to send quotes, but they did not have time to get them prepared and turned in. Mr. Walker stated that there were a couple other companies that were interested in turning in quotes also. Mr. Walker asked that Council table this process until the next Regular City Council Meeting to allow other companies to submit proposals. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Table this issue until the next Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Council concurred.
City Manager Roy L. Payne introduced Assistant Fire Chief - ESDA Coordinator James Brown to present an update regarding the storm damage. Mr. Brown stated that damage assessments are still being done. To date he has the figures that 1,107 homes and 14 businesses were damaged in the storm. Mr. Brown gave a breakdown of the levels of damage and how many of each level were damaged. There were 440 affected, 491 minor damage, 152 major damage and 18 destroyed. To date there have been 400,000 cubic yards of debris. 27% of it has been removed and it will take 30 to 50 days to remove the rest. There have been 50 to 70 trucks hauling debris since the storm. Mr. Brown stated that the Red Cross has served 31,636 meals until they shut down on the 29th. They have sheltered 78 residents. The Salvation Army has served 5,000 meals also. Mr. Brown stated that FEMA has visited the City twice. Once on the 28th to assess damage and once on the 2nd. It will be 2 or 3 weeks before they declare the area a Federal Disaster. Mr. Brown stated that he feels that the Public Works Department, the Public Utilities Department and all of the City crews deserve a big hand for all of the work they have done and the endless hours of overtime to get the City cleaned up.
City Manager Roy L. Payne introduced Greg of Ameren/IP. He gave a rundown of the storm in St. Louis on the 19th and then the storm that hit here on the 21st. He said that Ameren/IP had many crews out in St. Louis and the metro area then when the storm hit again and hit here also they had to send out crews to get power back on here. Although some of the City was out of power for 8 days, the biggest part of the power was back on as soon as they could get it done. Some areas had more damage to poles and lines and it took longer to repair.
Mr. Eddie Prior of Charter Communications spoke regarding damage to the cable lines. Mr. Prior stated that there were 1,400 lines down from the storm and it took a while to get the trees out of the lines and put the lines back up for services.
Mr. Don Bigham of the South Salem Baptist Association spoke regarding the volunteers and their service to the area. Mr. Bigham stated that they had been in town for 18 days and they are a faith-based organization, strictly volunteers.
There have been 115 to 150 workers in town all of that time. Mr. Bigham stated that they are based out of Park Avenue Baptist Church and they have served 33,000 meals, they have completed some 454 orders to cut and remove trees from properties. The group still has some 269 orders on their list and will not leave the area until they are finished. Mr. Bigham stated that he is a local resident having retired and moving back to Mt. Vernon. There are workers from all over the United States coming in to help with this clean up.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that he was very proud of all of the workers from the City, Ameren/IP, Charter and the South Baptist Association that have been working long and hard to help clean up the disaster in the City. He stated he is also proud of the community for all of their pulling together and helping each other clean up and get help.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that at this time he would like to change the agenda some to present lifesavings awards to two very deserving young men. Mayor Keen stated that Jeremy Pitchford and Matthew Simmons actually saved a man’s life a few days ago. Officer Trent Page of the City Police Department suggested that the two be given this award. Council Member Shirilyn Holt read the proclamation for the awards as Mayor Keen and Assistant Police Chief Chris Deichman pinned the badges on the two young men. The proclamation was for their actions in riding horseback and searching for a Mr. Harris that had walked away from a local nursing home and gotten lost. It was very hot and Mr. Harris had fallen and could not be seen. The boys located him and he was rescued. Mayor Keen stated that he was very proud of the boys and their actions.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Seek Bids for Debris Removal. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Grant Permission to Seek Bids for Debris Removal as Requested. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Bypass Formal Bidding Procedures for the Purchase of a Covert Video System for the Mt. Vernon Police Department. Assistant Chief Chris Deichman addressed Council regarding this request. Mr. Deichman stated that this is a Hawk 8A covert video camera. The new ones are smaller with twice the recording time of the older models. This camera is used for filming drug seizures and purchases. The funds are in the budget, as they want to use drug seizure funds to purchase the camera, so there would not be any City funds used.
Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Approve the Request for Permission to Bypass the Formal Bidding Procedure for the Purchase of a Covert Video System for the Mt. Vernon Police Department. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Waive the Bid Procedures for the Purchase of a 60’ Bucket Truck for Public Works. Mr. Payne stated that Equipment Maintenance Superintendent Bill Reininger had found this truck and checked it out to purchase. Council had budgeted $50,000. to purchase a bucket truck and this one is for $38,000.00 and has been refurbished. Mayor Keen stated that we could have really used this truck the last two weeks for trees. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Grant Permission to Waive the Bid Procedures for the Purchase of a 60’ Bucket Truck for Public Works. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne Presented a Request for Executive Session Following the Regular City Council Meeting Regarding Real Estate and Pending Litigation.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 16274 N. IL Highway 37 from Class R-1 to Class B-2. The Petitioning Party is Terry and Jane Hall. Mr. Hall spoke regarding his request. He stated that he will purchase the property and stick build a new building for a beauty shop. Mr. Hall reiterated that there are several businesses near this location or within ½ mile. The property is not located in Hawthorne Hills. Mr. Hall stated that due to the widening and resurfacing of Route 37 N it couldn’t expect to remain residential, as there will likely be increased traffic. He feels that the area will grow out that direction because of the new road. Mr. Hall stated that he also wanted to address the issue of the septic tank that was bought up at the last meeting. Mr. Hall had a letter from his plumbing contractor stating that there would be no problem with this type of business operating with a septic tank and the run off would not be any different than from a home in the area. Mr. Hall stated that this business would create eight new jobs in the City.
Mayor David E. Keen asked if anyone wished to speak in objection to this request. Mr. James Wilson spoke saying that he had a petition with 19 signatures on it from the Hawthorne Hills Residents in objection to this request. Mr. Wilson stated that he objects to the commercialization of the property and the decrease in his property values because of this if it is passed. Mr. Wilson spoke regarding a lot on 27th Street and how the owner would not want to have this
business next to their home. Council Member Mike Walker stated that he owned the lot on 27th Street and it is zoned commercial so no doubt it would be a business that moves in there as it is for sale. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-36, an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 16275 N. IL Highway 37 from Class R-1 to Class B-2 for Petitioning Party Terry and Jane Hall. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Vacating Airway Drive. The petitioner is Eric Ashby. Attorney Jim Hanson was present to represent Mr. Ashby. Mr. Hanson asked that due to the costs involved in filing and publishing the notice for the vacation, that Mr. Ashby be given the entire vacated part of the street instead of dividing the part up with the adjacent property owner. Mr. Hanson stated that he had spoken with the property owner and he did not want to pay anything towards the process and did not care if the street was vacated or not. Mr. Hanson stated that there were no objectors to this request. Corporation Counsel Bill Howard stated that there are three ways that this can be voted on. The petitioner can be awarded all of the vacated property, the property can be divided 50/50 as is usual, or the entire request can be denied. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to adopt Ordinance # 2006-37, an Ordinance Vacating Airway Drive for Petitioning Party Eric Ashby with the option being a 50/50 split between Mr. Ashby and the other property owner. 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 Annexing Property Located at Richview Road. The petitioning parties are Samuel A. and Carol A. Shillingburg and Mark and Charlene Joliff. Mr. Howard stated that this could only be the First Reading due to the Notices still running.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a First Reading of an Ordinance Declaring Property Commonly Known as 1708 Perkins to be Surplus Property and Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Real Property. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is property from a lien and there is a buyer interested in the property for $1,200.00. 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 # 2006-38, an Ordinance Declaring Property Commonly Known as 1708 Perkins to be Surplus Property and Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Real Property. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Giving of Notice of Dangerous and Dilapidated Structures for Property Located at 2223 Casey Avenue. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Giving of Notice of Dangerous and Dilapidated Structures at 2223 Casey Avenue. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Temporary Emergency Burn Pile. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that due to the recent storm, there are a lot of limbs, brush and trees that need to be taken care of and burning is the best solution. This is the South part of Lincoln Park. The EPA has brought in an air curtain to use for the ash residue. Mr. Payne stated that this location is closer to the end of town that is being cleaned up right now so it will cut travel time to and from the other burn pile. The fee is $1.00 a day for 90 days. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt a Resolution Approving a Temporary Emergency Burn Pile. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving the Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation’s Master Plan. Mrs. Cyndy Mitchell spoke regarding the Master Plan that was prepared by RDG Planning and Design. Mrs. Mitchell stated that the community had a lot of input into this process. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Adopt the Resolution Approving the Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation’s Master Plan as Presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that the Sweet Corn and Watermelon Festival events would be starting soon and he encouraged everyone to attend and have fun. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. on August 19, 2006. Mayor Keen introduced Malcolm and Rose Hirons as some of the original founders of the Sweet Corn and Watermelon Festivities.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that he would like to name Myrtle DeLoch as a new member of the Tourism Board with Council’s advice and consent. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Approve the Mayor’s Appointment of Myrtle DeLoch to the Tourism Board. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Ricky D. Heck stated that since the storm he would like to thank everyone who has worked hard to help with the storm damage and help clean up from the storm damage. He is amazed at how even neighbors that do not get along have helped each other out to clean up.
Council Member Mike Walker spoke about the Disaster Meeting that was held a few months ago to discuss preparedness for an emergency like this. Council Member Walker stated that Mr. Bigham stated that it we could get him a road in they would be here to help and they certainly have. Mr. Walker stated that he is also amazed at how quickly the workers are cleaning up.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Council Member John Howard to go into Executive Session Regarding Real Estate and Pending Litigation. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Council returned to open session at 9:08 p.m. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.