Regular City Council Meeting
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, June 5, 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 Bob Meyer of Victory Christian Center 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.
The journals for the April 19, 2006 City Council Budget Workshop Meeting, the April 27, 2006 Public Hearing and Special City Council Meeting, the May 1, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting, the May 4, 2006 City Council Workshop Meeting Joint Meeting with the MTVTHS, the May 15, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting, the May 16, 2006 “ City Hall on the Road” City Council Workshop Meeting and the May 31, 2006 Special City Council Meeting were presented for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the journals as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for June 2006 in the amount of $ 918,995.38 were presented for Council consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for June 2006 in the amount of $ 918,995.38 as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that only one bid was received for the Fire Station Repairs. Fire Chief Brent Hahn stated that all of the notices had been properly given and the publications had been done in a timely matter. Council agreed to have the one bid opened. The bid was given to Fire Chief Brent Hahn to open. The results will be presented at the end of this Regular City Council Meeting.
City Manager Roy L. Payne requested to bypass the formal bidding procedure for the 2006 street milling. Mr. Payne stated that two quotes had been received. The quotes were as follows:
Dunn Company, Decatur, IL $.70 per SY
Asphalt Stone Co. Jacksonville, IL $.69 per SY
Both companies are in the area working. Mr. Payne stated that he recommends the acceptance of the low quote from Asphalt Stone Company in the amount of $.69 per SY. Motion by Council Member John Howard to accept the low quote of Asphalt Stone Company in the amount of $.69 per SY for the asphalt milling. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented a Request for the Reallocation of Funds for the 2005/2006 Budget. Mr. Payne stated that this action is just for some housecleaning issues for the budget. The net effect to the Working Fund Balance is –0- decrease except in the SSA # 1 Fund it is a $44,872.00 decrease. This is due to the motel purchase. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the Reallocation of Funds for the 2005/2006 Budget as requested. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Combining the Zoning and Planning Commission. Mr. Payne stated that this is a way to streamline the commissions. There will be an 11-member commission on the combined board. First reading was held.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Leasing of Property Located at 805 S. 27th Street. This is the house on the west side of Veterans Park that has been a rental home for many years. The lease amount would be $500.00 per month for 36 months. City Manager Roy L. Payne and his family would like to lease the home. Council Member Mike Walker asked for clarification of the repairs clause of the agreement. Council agreed that the changes would be made. 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. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to adopt Ordinance # 2006-21, an Ordinance Authorizing the Leasing of the Property Located at 805 S. 27th Street as Requested, with the changes requested by Council. Corporation Counsel Bill Howard stated that the Lease Agreement would be reworded to reflect the changes. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Property Located on 816 Old Fairfield Road for the Petitioning Parties Louis III and Heather Beckley. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that they want to annex into the City for refuse collection. First Reading was held.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Approving Corporate Warranty Deed to Five Acre Investment Group, LLC. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is the sale of property located on the west side of Davidson Drive near the RWL Industrial Park, for the amount of $ 37,500.00 for them to locate two trucking firms on the property. It will bring in 25 jobs to the area. 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. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Approve Ordinance # 2006-22, an Ordinance Approving a Corporate Warranty Deed to Five Acre Investment Group, LLC. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving the Purchase Contract with the County for Property Located at 312 Caborn Street. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is a condemned property but the County has acquired it for the taxes. The structure on the property burnt and the City can purchase the property for $642.00, which includes the filing fee. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Approve the Resolution Approving the Purchase Contract with the County for Property Located at 312 Caborn Street. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Construction Engineering Services Agreement between the City of Mt. Vernon and STS Consultants, LTD. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is related to the Veterans Memorial Drive Extension. The Interchange/Overpass Project. STS is from Salem, Illinois. Mr. Payne stated that 80% of this would be paid by State and Federal Funds; the City will pay 20%. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the Resolution Approving the Construction Engineering Services Agreement Between the City of Mt. Vernon and STS Consultants, LTD. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a Letter of Agreement between Downtown Mt. Vernon Development and Illinois Main Street. Mayor David E. Keen asked Mrs. Cyndy Mitchell to come forward to speak about this item. Mrs. Mitchell stated that this Agreement designates Mt. Vernon as an Illinois Main Street City. Mrs. Mitchell stated that everyone has worked really hard to achieve this designation. Mrs. Mitchell stated that DMDC is also very excited over the $500,000.00 ITIP Grant the City has just been awarded. Both awards will be very important in the revitalization of the downtown area. Mayor Keen stated that the Grant Award was one of only three in the state to be awarded. Mrs. Mitchell named a few examples of the benefits of the Illinois Main Street benefits and thanked the City for partnering with DMDC. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to approve the Resolution Approving a Letter of Agreement Between Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation and the Illinois Main Street Program. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Agreement to Annex Property Located Near the Intersection of Route 15 West and Blackhawk Lane. The petitioning Parties are John Paul and Johnna Braswell. This is an agreement to annex when the property becomes contiguous to City property. The Braswell’s own the property and have a business that is building on the property and developing it. The main reason to annex is for water service to the property. The Braswell’s also have a Revolving Loan with the City for this development. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt the Resolution Approving the Agreement to Annex Property Located Near the Intersection of Route 15 West and Blackhawk Lane for Petitioning Parties John Paul and Johnna Braswell. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Consenting to a Mortgage by James J. Rozycki, Jr. as Leaseholder of Real Estate on Lake Miller. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is a request that comes up once in a while on the leased property. Mrs. Michelle Rozycki addressed Council and said that they have a lease on Miller Lake and have built a home but want to put an addition on the home and the Bank has asked for this document from the City. Motion by Council Member John Howard to adopt the Resolution Consenting to a Mortgage by James J. Rozycki, Jr. as Leaseholder of Real Estate on Lake Miller. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented the First Reading of an Ordinance to Vacate a Part of 11th Street behind Corinthian Baptist Church and Pettit’s Magnavox Store. This is First Reading only and this reading will be the Public Hearing for this issue. Mayor David E. Keen asked if anyone wished to speak either in favor or against this request. No one spoke. This issue will be heard at the June 19, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting.
Mayor David E. Keen spoke regarding the next “ City Hall On The Road” Meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Summersville School. Mayor Keen stated that this would give residents a chance to network with the City officials and employees and discuss any issues that they may have.
Mayor Keen stated that the Relay for Life was held on Friday and Saturday at Veterans Park and it was a huge success. The attendance was great and a lot of funds were raised. Mayor Keen wanted to thank everyone who participated and donated.
Mayor Keen stated that he had met with the Animal Control Warden and he wanted to remind everyone that there is a leash law and if your animals are not in a fenced area on the property, they have to be on a leash.
Mayor Keen asked City Manager about the swimming pool. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that the roof repair has been done, the company has begun to line the pool and it will take about 8 days from start to finish. They are hoping it will be able to open after this weekend. The bathhouse renovations are nearly done, just a few things remain.
VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS/ ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
Mrs. Elvira Canzanella addressed Council regarding the EMT’s & Paramedics not being able to work on the ambulances any longer. Mrs. Canzanella stated that this is such a waste of their training and talents. She stated that she feels this is a mistake. Council Member Ricky D. Heck stated that he had spent several hours investigating this issue. Mr. Heck stated that it is not the City that is keeping the paramedics off the ambulances. Litton Ambulance Company sent the City a letter telling them that as of June 12, 2006, the City Firefighter/Paramedics would no longer be allowed to ride in their ambulances. The ambulances are owned by Litton’s and they have control to say who can or cannot ride. Another ambulance service will be starting to respond in Mt. Vernon beginning June 12, 2006. Mr. Heck stated that the City has spent a lot of money to fund the training for all of the firefighters.
Mr. John Kowalski, Adjutant for the American Legion Post 141. Mr. Kowalski stated that this past weekend the Post 141 hosted the 23rd District Convention in Mt. Vernon and he heard how nice the City of Mt. Vernon is and how willing the City is to work with the veterans. Mr. Kowalski read a certificate and presented it to Mayor David E. Keen from the veterans. Mr. Kowalski also spoke regarding the Memorial Day Services, which were held on the City square. The service was attended by many people and was a very solemn service this year due to the adding of names to the walk. Mayor David E. Keen thanked Mr. Kowalski and Post 141 for the certificate and the Memorial Day Services and for all they do.
Mayor David E. Keen asked Fire Chief Brent Hahn is he was ready to present the bid received. Fire Chief Hahn stated that the one bid received was from Ray Black and Sons. The bid was as follows:
Ray Black & Sons – Mt. Vernon, IL $ 36,175.00 for repairs on both the
27th Street Station and the 42nd Street
Station.
Chief Hahn stated that the repair on the 27th Street Station was to the old wooden mansard roof. Replacing it with metal and resurfacing the roof. Replacing the old metal on the west side of the building, to cut up to the level of the windows and replacing all of the bad metal siding to there. On the 42nd Street Station, to replace the flat roof with a 15 year roof. Chief Hahn stated that the estimate was for $53,000.00 and the Black & Sons bid came in at $36,175.00. Chief Hahn asked Council to approve the bid from Ray Black and Sons in the amount of $ 36,175.00. City Manager Roy L. Payne concurred. Motion by Council Member John Howard to accept the bid from Ray Black & Sons for the repairs to the Fire Station at 27th Street and 42nd Street in the amount of $ 36,175.00. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.