The Mt. Vernon City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, November 6, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at Veterans Park.
Mayor David E. Keen called the meeting to order and Reverend Brad Henson of Faith Lutheran Church 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 October 16, 2006 Public Hearing and the October 16, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting were presented to Council for any additions, corrections or deletions. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to approve the journals as presented. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
The Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for November 2006 in the amount of $863,948.19 were presented for Council’s consideration. Motion by Council Member John Howard to approve the Consolidated Vouchers for Accounts Payable for November 2006 in the amount of $ 863,948.19 as presented. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
BIDS AND QUOTES
Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann stated that bids had been received for the Commercial Insurance for the City of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Hollmann stated that he, Human Resources Director and City Clerk Jackie Sharp had been on the committee to seek and receive bids and to compare the policies. Bids went out and the companies had several days to prepare their bids. The committee met and opened the bids and compared them item-to-item. Mr. Hollmann stated that there was three bid packets picked up and only two companies returned their bids. Mr. Hollmann stated that one of the bidders was Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Agency. This is the company that covers the City now. The other bid came in through Guy Wood Insurance Agency and was with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust. Mr. Hollmann stated that after studying the bids, staff is recommending that the City stay with the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Agency. The bottom line grand total premium is higher, but the deductible is lower and there is no self-coverage for the workmen’s comp coverage. Motion by Council Member Mike Walker to approve the bid from Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Agency to carry the insurance coverage for the City. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
CITY MANAGER
Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann introduced Mr. Eric White of Development & Municipal Initiatives, LLC to give a presentation of the Eligibility Study they have done. Mr. White stated that the study was for the eligibility for the Homestead area for a TIF. The property is Fairway Drive and the golf course area. Mr. White spoke in length about the TIF and the Illinois State Statutes for TIF’s and the Illinois Department of Revenue Sales Tax for TIF’s. Mr. White spoke regarding the 89 guidelines, the deterioration and observance codes. Mr. White went through the Eligibility Study. In conclusion, Mr. White stated that the area is impacted by five blighting factors plus age. The undeveloped area is impacted by four blighting factors. The area is therefore found to be a “blighted area”. A thorough review of the factors present, the conclusion of his report is that the proposed area qualifies for tax increment financing.
Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann presented for Council’s consideration a Request for the Approval of a Motion to Proceed with the TIF Plan. Mr. Hollmann stated that this is a follow-up to Mr. White’s presentation. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Grant Approval of the Motion to Proceed with a TIF Plan as presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Seek Proposals for the Replacement of the Heating and Cooling Systems at the Municipal West Building. Mrs. Bonnie Jerdon of the Visitors Bureau stated that there are currently 6 units operating at the building and they were all put in when the building was built 15 or 16 years ago. All of the units are basically shot and need replaced. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Grant Permission to Seek Proposals for the Replacement of the Heating and Cooling Systems at Municipal West Building. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann presented for Council’s consideration a Request for Permission to Seek Bids for Repairs to the Rental House Located at 805 S. 27th Street. Mr. Hollmann stated that the damage to the house was done in the storm. Most of the contractors have been too busy to look at the damage and give bids. The Insurance Adjuster has looked at the house and accessed the repairs already. In addition to the storm repairs that the siding and soffiting on the house be bid on a separate bid. The City should recover the costs of the repairs except for the siding and soffiting through the insurance payments. Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Grant Permission to Seek Bids for the Repairs to the Rental House Located at 805 S. 27th Street for the storm damage and another bid for the siding and soffiting for the house. Second by Council Member Ricky D. Heck. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann Presented a Request for an Executive Session Regarding the Hiring of Personnel.
CITY ATTORNEY
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the Second Reading of an Ordinance Granting a Petition to Discontinue Existing Prohibition Relative to the Sale at Retail of Alcoholic Liquor for 103,105 and 107 Shiloh Drive. The Petitioning Party is John Firebaugh. Mr. Firebaugh wants to open a Restaurant with Lounge and a package store on Shiloh Drive. The property in Shiloh Township is currently dry. The property he owns would have to be voted wet in order to have this type of business located at the Shiloh Drive location.
Mr. Firebaugh was present to speak regarding this issue. Mr. Firebaugh stated that he has already spent a lot of money to remodel the building. He plans to hire 30 to 45 people to run the business. Mr. Firebaugh stated that this would bring revenue into the city through taxes and salaries, etc. The main focus will be on the steakhouse and lounge. He stated that as far as the hours of operation, he would be willing to work with the City on any changes. Mr. Firebaugh spoke about people traveling outside of Mt. Vernon to go to the dance halls. Mr. Firebaugh stated that he hopes to have a steakhouse like Alexander’s Steakhouse and operate a lounge and dance hall area for when the foodservice stops.
Council Member Shirilyn Holt asked how Mr. Firebaugh was going to put emphasis on the steakhouse portion of the business. Mr. Firebaugh stated that the restaurant area is larger than the lounge and dance areas. Council Member Mike Walker asked if the restaurant area and the lounge area is the same location. Mr. Firebaugh stated that they are not, but after the foodservice ends on Friday and Saturday nights they can be used as the lounge area. Mr. Walker stated that he had a problem with the dance hall portion and lounge portion. Mr. Walker stated that most of the people that go to the current dance halls go because there is no alcohol served there. Mr. Walker stated that Applebee’s, Chili’s or Lone Star you think food first, not drinking. The majority of their sales is foodservice, 70 to 80%.
Council Member Ricky Heck asked if a restriction could be put on his license.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard stated that the issue before Council is to decide if this location should be wet or dry, not the hours of operation.
Mr. Gary Bradshaw spoke in favor of making this location wet. He stated that he feels that the area needs more businesses and income.
Mr. Rick Hicks spoke in favor of the passage of the wet issue. Mr. Hicks stated that the profits would stay in Mt. Vernon and Mt. Vernon needs the tax income and salaries from businesses.
Mayor David E. Keen asked if anyone wished to speak against this request.
Mr. Robert Bradley addressed Council. Mr. Bradley is a Deacon at the church near the location in question. Mr. Bradley stated that his church was against this issue due to their principals. Mr. Bradley passed out a paper telling about their church and their beliefs. The church is afraid that the business would interfere with their services on Saturday and any revival services they may have. Mayor David E. Keen stated that the establishment would be 171 feet from the church and that is more than the 100 feet required by Ordinance.
Mr. Rick Mount who lives near the location stated that he thinks there are enough bars in Mt. Vernon without having this one in his neighborhood.
Another member of the church stated that she was also against the location for alcohol because of the church and the close proximity.
Mayor David E. Keen stated again that the issue before Council was the wet/dry issue for this location. Mayor Keen spoke about some options regarding the location and the usage and stated that the liquor license options were still to be checked out.
Council Member Mike Walker spoke regarding operation hours of the license and the hours Chili’s, Applebee’s and Lone Star are open. There is no way to regulate these locations to close earlier than any other liquor license at this time. In the future there could be a classification change made, but right now the Ordinance does not specify any difference in hours.
Mr. Firebaugh again spoke saying that he should be given the opportunity to open and run the business to prove he can run a nice place. Mr. Firebaugh stated that he is willing to shut down the same times as the other restaurants do.
Reverend Brad Henson spoke regarding his concerns on the hours with the church nearby. Mr. Henson asked if the other businesses are self-regulated. Bill Howard stated that they are, and Council cannot regulate other than the Ordinance on Alcohol.
Mr. Lindell Knox spoke regarding the noise and parking involved in this venture.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard stated that there is no violation involved with the church and the proximity. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Grant the Petition to Discontinue Existing Prohibition Relative to the Sale of Alcoholic Liquor for 103,105 and 107 Shiloh Drive for Petitioning Party John Firebaugh. Mayor David E. Keen called for a second. None was heard. Mayor Keen stated that the motion died due to the lack of a second.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for a Home Day Care for Property at 1813 Pace. The petitioning parties are Amanda and Eric Borger. Mr. And Mrs. Borger were present. Mrs. Borger stated that they are now licensed by the State of Illinois as of September 29, 2006, they are licensed to keep children for five days a week from ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age. They are licensed to keep up to 8 children. Mrs. Borger stated that they do have a fenced yard also. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-49, an Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use for a Home Day Care for Property at 1813 Pace Avenue for Petitioning Parties Amanda and Eric Borger. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration the First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Personal Property. Interim City Manager Merle Hollmann stated that the Property is a 1986 Toro 72” cut Lawn Mower that was not used this past year mowing season but has been used in the Inspection Department. Mr. Hollmann stated that staff is requesting that this mower be declared as surplus so it can be disposed of the next time we have a sale of equipment. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Suspend the Rules to Vote on an Ordinance. Second by Council Member Shirilyn Holt. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen. Motion by Council Member John Howard to Adopt Ordinance # 2006-50, an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Personal Property. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
Corporation Counsel Bill Howard presented for Council’s consideration a Resolution Approving an Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation Regarding Federal Aid for I-57/64 Interchange. City Engineer John Porter explained the agreement to Council. This agreement allows the DOT to use $500,000.00 of funds to improve the Overpass/Interchange Project. The money would be for utility moves, to pay Ameren/IP to move the lines that are in the way of the project. Motion by Council Member Ricky D. Heck to Approve the Resolution Approving the Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation Regarding Federal Aid for the I-57/64 Interchange Project as presented. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
MAYOR
Mayor David E. Keen reminded everyone to go vote tomorrow in the election. Mayor Keen stated that this is a wonderful right we have and everyone should exercise his or her right to vote.
Mayor Keen also spoke regarding Veterans Day coming up on November 11, 2006, and urged everyone to remember veterans that they know or have known.
Mayor Keen stated that there was a site visit done in Mt. Vernon recently and the company spoke about how nice and clean Mt. Vernon was even in the older areas of town.
CITY COUNCIL
VISITORS/CITIZEN REQUESTS/ADDRESSES FROM THE AUDIENCE
Mr. Mark Rosen of 1106 South 23rd Street asked Council about his request for some no parking signs for the 1100 block of S 23rd Street. Mayor Keen asked Mr. Rosen to meet with him after the meeting and he would get a phone number and contact Elbert Cain the Superintendent of Public Works and see if he can get the signs put up.
Mr. Rick Hicks of Casey Street asked about the alley between Casey and College at 21st Street. Mr. Hicks stated that the alley has been improved greatly and now there is a lot of unnecessary traffic and noise in the area now.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to go into Executive Session Regarding the Hiring of Personnel. Second by Council Member John Howard. Yeas: Heck, Holt, Howard, Walker and Keen.
ADJOURNMENT
Council returned from Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Motion by Council Member Shirilyn Holt to Adjourn this Regular Session of the City Council Meeting. Second by Council Member John Howard.