Regular City Council Meeting
March 5, 2007
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, March 5,2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park following a Public Hearing.
Mayor David E. Keen called the Regular Meeting to order. 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 journal for the February 20, 2007 Regular City Council Meeting was presented for any additions, deletions or corrections. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to approve the journal for the February 20, 2007 Regular City Council Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for March 2007 in the amount of $396,739.66 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for March 2007 in the amount of $396,739.66 as presented. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Ron Neibert asked Mrs. Bonnie Jerdon of the Tourism Department to present the results of the Proposals for the Annual Fireworks Display for the Fourth of July. Mrs. Jerdon stated that two proposals were received with the City giving an amount of money and the companies supplying the number of shells available for that amount. The amount given was $20,000.00. Mrs. Jerdon stated that the two proposals were from S & N Fireworks of Lincoln, IL and Pyroshows of LaFollette, TN. Mrs. Jerdon stated that after going through the proposals she
is recommending that the City accept the proposal from S & N Fireworks of Lincoln, IL. Mrs. Jerdon stated that they offered more shells for the amount of money involved and the City has always been happy with their work. City Manager Ron Neibert concurred with Mrs. Jerdon. Motion by Council Member John Howard to accept the Proposal from S & N Fireworks of Lincoln, IL for the Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Display. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that Bids were advertised for the roof repair at City Hall. There were no bids received for this job. Mr. Neibert stated that he would look at the project and evaluate the options for this job. Mayor David E. Keen explained that there is a leak in the City Clerk’s Office and it needs repaired right away. Council Member Mike Walker asked if this would be a complete new roof or resurfacing the old roof. Mr. Neibert stated that it would be a new rubber roof and the Mayor’s office needs very minor repairs. Mayor Keen stated that this is a small drop down from the main roof.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration the Preliminary and Final Plat for Best Inns Subdivision. Attorney Terry Sharp addressed Council regarding this request. Mr. Sharp stated that this is to divide the Best Inn and the Red Roof Inn. The motel has gone through bankruptcy twice in the last twenty-five years. The Best Inns now want to reflag the back as a Red Roof Inn. This is a major improvement to the property. The new street that has been opened up by the City near Bonanza and Kroger abuts the east side of the motel property. Mr. Sharp stated that this request would divide just under 5 acres into two equal lots. Mr. Sharp stated that the Planning and Zoning Board approved the request 9 to 0. Mayor David E. Keen asked if anyone wished to speak either for or against this request. No one was heard. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Grant Preliminary and Final Plat Approval for the Best Inns Subdivision. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Ron Neibert presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Reallocation of Funds for the 2006/2007 Budget. There is an increase in expenditures due to grants and increased revenues, but no decrease to the General Corporate Fund. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Approve the Request for Reallocation of Funds for the 2006/2007 Budget as presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 4610 Broadway from Class B-2 to Class B-3. The Petitioning Party is LMV, LLC. Mr. Roger Kinney spoke representing Mr. Roger Campbell and stated that this property would be used as a truck plaza, gas station and restaurant. Mr. Aaron Dickerson of Pilot Fuels spoke saying that this would be one of their stations. The truck traffic would be sent down Davidson Drive to fuel up and there would be 8 fuel pumps in the front for cars. There would be a 10,000 square foot building and employ 70 people or so with a $1.2 million payroll per year. The property is 15 acres west of the T/A Truck Center. The business should bring in $127,000.00 in property tax. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Adopt Ordinance # 2007-13, an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 4610 Broadway from Class B2 to B3 for Petitioning Party LMV, LLC as presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Mt. Vernon /Jefferson County Enterprise Zone Within the County of Jefferson, Illinois. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this was the subject of the Public Hearing held before this Regular City Council Meeting tonight. This would extend the Enterprise Zone to the location of the proposed Ethanol Plant near Waltonville down the railroad track. Mr. Neibert asked Council to suspend the rules to vote on an 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, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt Ordinance # 2007-14, an Ordinance Amending the Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County Enterprise Zone Within the County of Jefferson, Illinois. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Amending the Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County Enterprise Zone. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that again this Resolution Amends the Enterprise Zone to Include Waltonville. This is the Resolution of the Intergovernmental Agreement. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Amending the Mt. Vernon/Jefferson County Enterprise Zone to include Waltonville. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Committing City Funding to Develop a New High School. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this was presented at the last City Council
meeting and Council had asked for some changes to be made regarding any funds that may come back to the City and school. Finance Director Merle Hollmann explained the funds promised and where the funds can be generated. Mr. Hollmann stated that this is if only the referendum passes at the April 17 election to support a new high school. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the Resolution Committing Funding to Develop a New High School as previously discussed by Council. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Giving of Notice of Dangerous and Dilapidated Structure for Property Located at 725 South 20th Street. This is the notice that is normally given. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Approve the Resolution of Giving of Notice of Dangerous and Dilapidated Structure for Property Located at 725 South 20th Street as presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Amendment to an Agreement with Hanson Professional Services, Inc. for Professional Services Regarding Veterans Memorial Drive and I-57/64. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that this Resolution will combine the projects of Veterans Memorial Drive and the I-57/64 Interchange/Overpass. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to approve the Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Agreement with Hanson Professional Services, Inc. for Professional Services Regarding Veterans Memorial Drive and I-57/64 Interchange/Overpass Projects. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Council Member Ricky D. Heck reported that there would be a fund raiser held for the Jesse Callahan family on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 5 p.m. at Veterans Park. The Callahan family lost all of their belongings in a house fire. Mr. Heck stated that anyone that would like to help the Callahan family to come out and eat. Donations are being accepted at the Park Office also of clothing, money or any household goods.
Mr. Jim Bussen of Mt. Vernon stated that he had a few questions for Council. Mr. Bussen asked what the City’s Bond Rating is at this time. Finance Director Merle Hollmann stated that it is AAA. Mr. Hollmann stated that the City does not have many debts. The Series A & B Bonds of 1993 will be paid off in 2008. There is an
EPA loan where we borrowed to rebuild lift station # 15. Mr. Bussen asked about the City’s electric bill increases and if there would be cut backs in services of employees to counter these increases. Mr. Hollmann stated that we are not anticipating any layoffs or cutbacks. Mr. Bussen stated that since there were no bids for the roof repair, if the roof was flat, had the City considered putting a roof of grasses on. Mr. Bussen stated that he had read articles on this and it sounded like an interesting idea. Going green. He said it helps with insulation and the roof also. Mr. Bussen also asked about the increased traffic on Veterans Memorial Drive at 34th and 42nd Streets and a traffic safety report on this area. City Engineer John Porter stated that the area is not actually developed enough for this kind of study and report yet. Mayor David E. Keen stated that there would also be a study on road improvements in this area. By the school and the hospital just in planning stages, the study has not been finalized to do a report.
Mr. A.P. Petties stated that his Annual Easter Egg Hunt would be on April 4, 2007 at Dawson Park. Mr. Petties stated that anyone that would like to donate any items to give away for the Egg Hunt please contact him. He hopes to have a bigger and better crowd this year than ever. He is also collecting suitcases, backpacks, etc. for children and they can be taken to the fire departments for him to pick up. Mr. Petties also spoke about the high power bills and stated that something needs to be done about them as people cannot afford to pay them. Mayor Keen stated that Senator Jones and Senator Bradley are working on a possible roll-back and House Bill # 458.
Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.