May 7, 2007
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. on May 7, 2007, in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor David E. Keen called the meeting to order and Reverend Bob Meyer 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 City Council Workshop Meeting of April 11, 2007, the Regular City Council Meeting of April 16, 2007, and the City Council Budget Workshop Meeting of April 18, 2007 were presented to Council for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to approve the journals for the April 11, 2007, April 16, 2007 and April 18, 2007 meetings as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for May 2007 in the amount of $ 547,392.80 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for May 2007, in the amount of $ 547,392.80 as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that one bid was received regarding scoreboards for Klein Field and the soccer field in Lincoln Park/Cusumano Sports Complex. The bid is from Nevco Corporation, Greenville, IL in the amount of $33,610.00. Motion by Council Member John Howard to accept the bid from Nevco. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Ron Neibert stated that one bid was received from Lakeland Corporation, Eldorado, IL for improvements to the soccer field at Lincoln Park/ Cusumano Sports Complex. The project includes reseeding as well as an underground sprinkling system. The bid from Lakeland Corporation was in the amount of $25,000.00, which was within the amount that was projected for this project. The City also has commitments from the high school and the local soccer boosters regarding funding. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to accept the bid from Lakeland Corporation. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Ron Neibert asked Council for Permission to Seek Bids for Potomac Boulevard and Cedarhurst Sidewalk Program. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Grant Permission to Seek Bids for Potomac Boulevard and Cedarhurst Sidewalk Program. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
City Manager Ron Neibert announced that representatives of the Mt. Vernon Tree Board are here to make a presentation. Dennis Epplin, Chairman introduced Diane Hultgren and Elbert Cain of the Tree Board. Mr. Epplin spoke about some of the things that have gone on in the past couple of months. The annual Tree Poster Contest for school children, tree seedling give away in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the annual tree give-away to the public in Mt. Vernon funded by Ameren IP. Mr. Epplin was happy to report that for the thirteenth consecutive year, the City of Mt. Vernon has been named a Tree City USA. Also received was the Tree City Growth Award for the tenth consecutive year and the Tree City Flag. Mayor Keen congratulated the Tree Board on all their hard work.
City Manager Ron Neibert asked Derrick Quitsch of the Inspection Department to report on the City Wide Cleanup that was held Saturday, May 5, 2007. Derrick reported that this year 650 volunteers collected 599 bags of trash. The 6-foot trophy was awarded to Bethel Grade School for having the most volunteers (59) on their team. The first place 4-foot trophy went to Bethel Grade School for collecting the most bags of trash (99 bags). The second place 3-foot trophy went to Gary Duncan and Sandy Edmison’s team that turned in 86 bags of trash. Co-chairmen for the event were Wes Neal and George Patton. Next year’s theme will be “Making Mt. Vernon’s Future”.
City Manager Ron Neibert introduced Mr. Greg Hollmann of the Recycling Task Force to make a presentation. The Task Force was established in December 2006. Along with Co-Chair Rick Hicks and the 10 – 12 member committee, their primary goal is to explore ways to make recycling more accessible to the citizens of Mt. Vernon. Plans are to ask for a bid when the new contract for trash removal
comes up for cost with and without recycling. The committee expects the cost of curbside recycling to be between $3 to $6 with the citizen paying half. Mayor Keen thanked both Mr. Hollmann and Mr. Hicks for their time spent on this presentation.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Regarding Nuisance Fines. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Adopt Ordinance #2007-25, an Ordinance Regarding Nuisance Fines. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Located at 22 Fairway Drive from Class FP to R3 for Petitioning Party Doe Valley Golf Course. After much discussion a motion was made by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Table the Rezoning Ordinance until such time an Ordinance with a Tax Increment Redevelopment Agreement is presented to the Council. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
At this time Mayor Keen asked Mr. John Howard who is retiring from the City Council after ten years of service to say a few words.
Mr. Howard spoke saying it has been a fast and busy ten years. John said he wanted to thank the citizens of Mt. Vernon for electing him three times and it has been a great honor to represent them. He also stated it has been a pleasure serving with Mayors Terry, Sees and Keen and with Council Members Chesley, Bravard, Sees, Keen, Walker, Heck and Holt. Mr. Howard introduced his wife, Ann and thanked her for standing by him for over 63 years. He wished the new Council the best.
Mayor Keen presented Mr. Howard with a chair embossed with the City Seal on his retirement.
Next, Mayor Keen introduced Councilman Heck. Mr. Heck thanked the citizens of Mt. Vernon who elected him to serve the past four years. He also thanked his wife for putting up with him and helping him through this job.
Mayor Keen presented Mr. Heck with a rocking chair embossed with the City Seal and thanked him for a great job.
Mayor Keen stated it has been a pleasure for him to serve as a Council Member and Mayor since 1993. He wished the new Mayor, Mary Jane Chesley and new Council Members, Mary Burgan and David Wood success.
Council Member Mike Walker stated that on behalf of the City Council and the City of Mt. Vernon he would like to present the Ex-Officio Mayor David Keen his gavel and plaque and thank him for all his years of tireless service.
In recognition of his dedication and support of Economic Development in Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County, Mary Ellen Bechtel of the Jefferson County Development Cooperation presented David Keen with a plaque.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard swore in Mary Jane Chesley as Mayor or Mt. Vernon followed by the swearing in of Mary Burgan and David Wood as City Council Members.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley reconvened the City Council Meeting of May 7, 2007. She presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Article 21 of the Revised Code of Ordinances Establishing Zoning and Zoning Regulations for a Bed and Breakfast Establishment. Mayor Chesley requested that this item be pulled from the agenda and sent back to the Planning/Zoning Commission so the Commission can review the draft. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to send the draft back to the Planning/Zoning Commission. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing Sale of Municipal Real Property. Council Member David Wood asked how the properties would be marketed. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that they would be handled case by case. Motion by Council Member David Wood to suspend the rules to vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Motion by Council Member David Wood to adopt Ordinance #2007-26 an Ordinance Authorizing Sale of Municipal Real Property. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to suspend the rules to vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to adopt Ordinance #2007-27 an Ordinance Amending the Salary Ordinance. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.
Mayor Mary Jane Chesley thanked the people of Mt. Vernon for electing her as Mayor. She stated that she is going to work very hard to be a strong Mayor that Mt. Vernon deserves.
Mayor Chesley read a Proclamation for National Police Week.
Council Member Shirilyn Holt expressed her thanks to those who voted for her even though she ran unopposed.
Council Member Mary Burgan spoke thanking all those who voted for her.
Council Member David Wood stated that he wanted to thank everyone who supported him throughout the campaign.
Council Member Mike Walker thanked everyone for his opportunity to serve.
Bert Hathaway congratulated the new Mayor and new Council Members. Mr. Hathaway then asked if anyone had ever thought of maybe a back way into the Doe Valley situation. He stated that wasn’t why he was in attendance, but maybe a back entrance might be the answer.
Mr. Hathaway complained about the condition of a property in his neighborhood. He stated that a trailer that is probably 30 years old is located on the property. The windows are broken out and there are a lot of dogs in it and the smell is unbearable. Mr. Hathaway stated that the County told him that he needed to go to the City because the property is within the 1-½ mile distance of the City. Corporation Counsel Bill Howard stated that the City only has zoning and subdivision jurisdiction within the mile and a half and does not have authority with regard to nuisances. City Manager, Ron Neibert asked Mr. Hathaway to come by his office and stated he would send an individual from the City to go with him to the County to try and resolve this problem.
Mr. John Kowalski from American Legion Post #141 reminded everyone that Memorial Day is coming up May 28. He also wanted to invite the citizens to the celebration and services that will be held at the Court House at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Kowalski also spoke of the second annual Kyle Price Memorial Motorcycle Run, which was conducted April 28.
Mr. Bobby Farris congratulated Mayor Mary Jane Chesley.
Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to adjourn this Regular City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member David Wood. Yeas: Burgan, Holt, Walker, Wood and Chesley.