Regular City Council Meeting
May 15, 2006
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, May 15, 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 Ron Lash 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.
Mayor David E. Keen announced that it was Council Member Mike Walker’s birthday and presented him with a birthday cake. The audience sang Happy Birthday to Council Member Walker.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that he would like to read and present a proclamation regarding the week of May 15 as National Police Week. Mayor Keen read the proclamation and called the police officers in attendance forward to present the proclamation to them and Police Chief Mendenall.
The journals for the April 13,2006 City Council Workshop Meeting and the April 17, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting were presented for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the journals for the April 13, 2006 City Council Workshop Meeting and the April 17, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting as presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for May 2006 in the amount of $1,041,061.30 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated vouchers for Accounts Payable for May 2006 in the amount of $1,041,061.30 as presented. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
BIDS AND QUOTES
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that there were two bids received for a new Police Squad Car. Council agreed to have them opened. The bids were turned over to Police Chief Chris Mendenall to open. Chief Mendenall will report on the bids at the end of this Regular City Council Meeting.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Presentation Regarding the Homestead Lakes Development. Mr. Payne introduced Mr. Norman Schuchman who spoke regarding a possible $40 million dollar development. They are asking the City for annexation of the property and golf course and possibly a TIF District for the project area. The name of the project will be Homestead Estates and it would be a gated complex for senior citizens from 55 to 70. Mr. Schuchman introduced Mr. Mark Miller, Mr. Brian Edmison the architect, Marvin Jenkins the surveyor and Roger Campbell owner of East Side Lumber, Designs and Campbell’s Ambulance the lead investor. Mr. Miller of M & S Consultants stated that there would be 224 condo units, 60 villas near a lake, two more stocked lakes, boat docks, a 1.7 mile walking path, tennis courts and a pool on the 78 acres of property. The condos will be very attractive with 8 units up and 8 units down on each building. Mayor David E. Keen thanked Mr. Schuchman for the presentation.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Authorization to Seek Bids for Building Repairs at 714 South 42nd Street, 27th Street and Logan Street Fire Stations. Mr. Payne stated that these expenses were budgeted in the new budget and the repairs have been needed for quite a while. Council agreed to seek bids as requested.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Waive Bid Procedures for Tractors for the Public Works Department. This was also discussed at the budget workshop meetings. Three quotes have already been received for this purchase and there is no local vendor that can supply the item. Mr. Payne said that by accepting the quotes, the tractors could be in place in 2 to 3 weeks. Mr. Payne stated that the quote from Riechman Brothers in Centralia, IL is the low quote. The amount of their quote is $ 27,450.00. This amount is below the budgeted amount for the two tractors and would fit the mowing needs also. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Grant Permission to Proceed with the Purchase of Two Tractors from Riechman Brothers of Centralia, Illinois in the amount of $ 27,450.00 as presented. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Waive Bid Procedures to Replace the Swimming Pool Bathhouse
Roof. Mr. Payne stated that a quote was received by Lane and Shelton Roofing of Mt. Vernon for a rubber roof for the bathhouse. This is for the tear off of the old roof and the new roofing with a three-year warranty. The quote from Lane and Shelton was in the amount of $ 8,450.00 and the quote from Black and Sons was in the amount of $ 11,230.00. Staff is recommending the acceptance of the Lane and Shelton quote in the amount of $8,450.00. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to accept the quote from Lane and Shelton Roofing in the amount of $ 8,450.00 for the roof on the Park Pool Bathhouse. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Waive the Bid Procedures for Installation of Irrigation and Grass Sprigging for the Brennan Klein Field at Lincoln Park. Wes Plummer stated that the City crew cannot do this project due to it being a special skilled service job. Mr. Plummer stated that there is money in the budget for this project. The cost will be $29,475.00 for this job. Mr. Plummer stated that the City crew would build the fences at the park. The funds for the irrigation and sprigging are from the OSLA Grant and the Klein donation. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Grant Permission to Waive the Bid Procedure for the Installation of the Irrigation and Grass Sprigging for the Brennan Klein Field in the amount of $ 29,475.00. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that he would like to Request an Executive Session at the end of this Regular City Council Meeting Regarding Pending Litigation and Real Estate.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 9390 IL Hwy 15 East from Class B2/AG to BPL. The Petitioning Party is John Paul Braswell and Johnna Braswell. Mr. Braswell was present to speak regarding his request. Mr. Braswell stated that there is a need for another road off of Blackhawk Lane. This road would be access to more than one business without subdividing the property. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that Planned Business Zoning allows you to not have to have frontage on a public street. Mr. Payne stated that there was an objection to this at the Zoning Board, but their concerns were answered at that time. Mayor David E. Keen asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor or opposition to this request. No one was heard. 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 Adopt Ordinance # 2006-17, an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 9390 IL Hwy 15 East from Class
B2/AG to BPL for Petitioning Party John Paul and Johnna Braswell. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing a Conditional Sales Contract and Quitclaim Deed for the Sale of 712 South 25th Street to Donald and Denise McMahon. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is a non-buildable lot so the only people that would be interested in it would be someone that lived adjoining the lot. Mr. and Mrs. McMahon do live adjoining. 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. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-18, an Ordinance Authorizing the Conditional Sales Contract and Quitclaim Deed for the Sale of 712 South 25th Street to Donald and Denise McMahon. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Designating the Speed Limit for Lake Terrace Drive and South 45th Street/Wells Bypass South of 625 S. 45th Street. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that the new speed limits would be 40-Miles Per Hour as requested. 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. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-19, an Ordinance Designating the Speed Limit for Lake Terrace Drive and South 45th Street/Wells Bypass South of 625 S. 45th Street to be 40 Miles Per Hour. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration the First reading of an Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is an annual Ordinance that sets the salaries of the department heads. 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 Adopt Ordinance # 2006-20, an Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the FY 06/07 Street Maintenance Program. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that the request was for $300,000.00 for the Paving and Oil and Chip Programs. Mr. Payne stated that this was all discussed during the budget meetings. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to approve the Resolution Authorizing the
Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the FY 06/07 Street Maintenance Program. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving a License Agreement with Mt. Vernon Net. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that this is the final step for the grant for the y-fi for the downtown area. This Resolution will allow the company to install their transmitters on poles downtown. The City will receive 3% of the gross revenue from this system. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Resolution Approving the License Agreement with Mt. Vernon Net. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving Revised By-Laws for the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that for the last few months the Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission has been revising the by-laws for the group. It has been extremely hard to get a quorum to show up at the meetings. There were 20 members and now with the revision, there will be 13 members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of Council. Officers will be elected annually. The Resolution also spells out the terms of the members. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the Resolution Establishing the By-Laws of the Mt. Vernon Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission as Presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Attorney David R. Leggans presented for Council’s consideration Resolutions Accepting Quitclaim Deeds for Properties Located at 1708 Perkins, 500 S. 17th Street, 1505 South 12th Street and 909 Welkins Street. Motion by Council Member John Howard to adopt the Resolutions to Accept Quitclaim Deeds for Properties Located at 1708 Perkins, 500 S. 17th Street, 1505 S. 12th Street and 900 Welkins Street as Presented. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
BIDS AND QUOTES
Chief Chris Mendenall reported on the two bids received for a new Police squad car. The two bids were as follows:
Ford Square - 2006 Police Crown Vic $ 17,598.50
Svanda Motors – 2007 Police Impala $ 21,893.00
Chief Mendenall recommended the acceptance of the low bid from Ford Square in the amount of $17,598.50. City Manager Roy L. Payne concurred. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to Approve the Purchase of the 2006 Ford Police
Crown Vic from Ford Square in the amount of $ 17,598.50 as bid. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that he had some appointments and reappointments to make at this time with the advice and consent of the Council. Mayor Keen stated that first he would like to correct the term of Greg Martin who he reappointed to the Airport Authority Board last meeting for a four-year term. That should have actually been a five-year term. This will correct the term.
Mayor Keen stated that he would like to present the following names for the Minority Affairs Commission.
Four-Year Terms:
Dr. Kevin Settle, Jeff Bradley States Attorneys Office, Terry Milt from MTVTHS, James Malone NAACP and Ron Lash from Southtown Ministerial Association.
Three-Year Terms:
Brent Hahn Fire Chief, Chris Mendenall Police Chief, Roy Payne City Manager, Floyd Brookman Chamber of Commerce.
At Large Members – 2-Year Terms:
Rolland Mays, Jacque Ross, Brenda Moore and Reverend Bob Whiteside.
To the Liquor Advisory Committee: Dan Lucas.
Rend Lake Conservancy District: Reappoint Mr. James Rippy to a Five-Year Term.
To the Historical Preservation Commission: Mrs. Joan Goldman and Rick Marlow to fill the unexpired terms of Mary Burgin.
Motion by Council Member John Howard to accept all of the appointments and reappointments as presented by the Mayor. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Mayor David E. Keen stated that he would like to remind everyone that there will be Town Hall Meetings On The Road. Mayor Keen stated that there would be five or six meetings in different locations so everyone can attend. Mayor Keen stated that there would be presentations by the Departments and then question
and answer time for the residents to voice concerns or ask questions. The first meeting will be on May 16 at Shiloh Baptist Church tomorrow night. The second meeting will be on June 13, at Summersville School.
Mayor David E. Keen thanked Derrick Quitsch on the very successful City Wide Clean Up Day on Saturday. Mayor Keen stated that Derrick put in a lot of time and effort in making this happen.
Mr. Jere Shaw addressed Council regarding being present to represent Mr. Rippy from Rend Lake Conservancy District. Mr. Rippy asked that Mr. Shaw express his thanks to the Council for having the confidence in him to reappoint him to the District. Mr. Shaw stated that he also wanted to thank Council for reappointing Mr. Rippy. He feels he is an excellent choice for this Board.
Mr. Bobby Farris spoke regarding the possible new residents to be constructed on Homestead Golf Course. He was concerned that if it was a gated community, would the police and fire departments be able to get into the complex for emergencies. Mayor Keen assured Mr. Farris that they would have complete access to the complex. Mr. Farris also stated that the clean up looked real good and he hopes people keep their yards clean not only on Clean up Week. Mr. Farris asked about vacant lots at 12th and Lamar Street.
Mr. James Harris spoke regarding the railroad crossing on 42nd Street needing repairs and also the one on 27th Street.
Mr. Horton Petties addressed Council regarding the possible new high school. Mr. Petties stated that the school needs a new environment and more security.
Mr. Petties also spoke regarding the overpass/Interchange.
A resident of the 1100 block of South 23rd Street spoke regarding on street parking on 23rd Street. He stated that they park on both sides of the street and you can’t get down the street. He also stated that his neighbor backed out of his own driveway and hit a car because it was parked across and the street is narrow. They would like the City to look at the street and possibly post it for no parking at least on one side of the street. The neighbor, Mr. Dennis Bell also spoke regarding this problem. City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that they would look into the problem and see what may be done to help.
Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to go into Executive Session. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Council returned from Executive Session at 9:58 p.m. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Howard, Walker and Keen.